The Lagoon Nebula is a bright HII region located about 4,100 light-years from Earth in Sagittarius. The nebula features the open cluster NGC 6530, as well as a red color distinctive of ionized hydrogen emissions. The nebula also contains many Bok Globules, which are dark clouds of collapsing dust and gas in which stars form. Its brightness at mag. 6 as well as its large size at 90′ by 60′ make it a favorite among astrophotographers.
JML Astrophotos 