M20 - Trifid Nebula
The Trifid Nebula is a rare combination of emission, reflection, and dark nebulae, divided into three parts by dark dust lanes (hence "trifid" meaning three-part).
Distance: 5,200 light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 6.30
Apparent Size: 28' × 28'
Constellation: Sagittarius
Object Type: Emission + Reflection + Dark Nebula
Key Features:
- Red emission nebula (Ha)
- Blue reflection nebula (north)
- Three dark lanes dividing it
- Contains open cluster
- Young stellar objects
Best Imaging Season: June - September
Optimal Integration: 10+ hours (LRGB/Ha)
