Gallery Index

M20

Trifid Nebula

Emission, reflection, and dust in one frame

TypeNebula ConstellationSagittarius SeasonSummer PaletteNatural color
Image Details

Capture summary

Catalog M20

Nebula in Sagittarius

Exposure Broadband RGB

Natural color

Filters Natural color

Broadband RGB

Frame 2020

Summer target / wide composition

Exposure Breakdown Broadband RGB

Detailed filter totals have not been entered for this image yet.

The Trifid is all contrast: magenta emission, blue reflection, and sharp dark lanes dividing the core.

Target Planner

Nebula in Sagittarius; best planned for June through August from New Jersey.

Best season June through August

Summer targets often improve later at night as the Milky Way climbs higher.

Good from NJ Late spring through early autumn

Assumes a New Jersey backyard horizon and evening imaging.

Object type Nebula

Emission nebulae are good candidates for narrowband filters; reflection nebulae prefer darker skies.

Constellation Sagittarius

M20 is listed here in Sagittarius.

Moon tolerance Narrowband can tolerate some moonlight.

Current frame: Natural color / Broadband RGB.

Planning from Sewell, NJ

Calculating target altitude and moon context.

Check your location Open full planner

Use the full planner to enter a ZIP code, choose a date, and compare the target from your sky.

Planning values are approximate and update in your browser.

Planning site Sewell, NJ 39.7700, -75.1400
Current altitude ...

Based on the current time.

Target transit chart Compact altitude curve for this target over a full day. Target ...

Green marks usable dark-sky altitude.

Next transit ...

Next upper transit.

Rise / set ...

Approximate horizon crossing.

Moon now ...

Moon phase and altitude.