The Trifid Nebula is an HII region located in Sagittarius around 4,200 light-years from Earth. Its name means “three-lobed” which makes sense because M20 contains a reflection nebula, an emission nebula, and an open cluster, along with dark nebula “veins”. It’s a favorite among astrophotographers because it’s bright at mag. 6.3, decently large at 28′, and is surrounded by equally beautiful targets like the Lagoon Nebula and Webb’s Cross.
JML Astrophotos 