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The Trifid Nebula (M20) is a striking and complex nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius, about 5,000 light-years from Earth. Its name, “Trifid,” comes from the three prominent dark dust lanes that divide the nebula into distinct lobes, giving it a dramatic, three-part appearance.
M20 is a rare combination of three different nebula types in one region. The glowing red emission nebula is energized by intense ultraviolet radiation from a young, massive central star, while nearby blue reflection nebula regions scatter starlight off fine dust particles. Cutting through both are intricate dark nebulae, where cold dust obscures the light behind it, carving the nebula’s iconic shape.
This stellar nursery is actively forming new stars, with dense clouds of gas and dust collapsing under gravity. Young stars and protostars are embedded throughout the nebula, making it an important target for studying early stellar evolution.
In wide-field astrophotography, the Trifid Nebula stands out for its vivid contrast—deep reds, electric blues, and inky black dust lanes—often sharing the frame with the nearby Lagoon Nebula (M8). Its beauty and scientific richness make M20 one of the most iconic and rewarding nebulae in the summer Milky Way.
Technical Details
Telescope: Sky-Watcher Esprit 100ED Refractor
Auto Focus: ZWO Electronic Auto Focuser
Astronomy Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Filter: Optolong UV-IR cut filter; 320 exposures @ 60 seconds each (5.3 hours)
Filter: Antlia ALP-T Dual Narrowband Ha/Oiii Filter; 120 exposures @ 5 minutes each (12 hours)
Total Integration Time: 17.3 hours
Auto Guiding: William Optics Uniguide 50mm Guide Scope
Auto Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini Guide Camera
Auto Guiding Software: PHD2
Telescope Mount: Sky- Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Telescope Computer: BeeLink GK-55 Mini PC / Windows 10 Pro
Wireless Communication: GL-iNEt Beryl Travel Router
Telescope Control & Image Capture Software: Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy (N.I.N.A.)
Image Integration Software: Astro Pixel Process, by Aries Productions
Image Post Processing Software: PixInsight, by Pleiades Astrophoto
Images captured: Palm Springs, CA during September 2022. Dark sky classification = Bright suburban sky (Bortle 6)