M20 The Trifid Nebula

The Trifid Nebula (M20) is a reflection/emission Nebula in the constellation Saggitarius near M8. It is relatively bright, and fairly easy to find. It is visible in binoculars and scopes of any size even in light polluted city skies. There are quite a number of other interesting objects in the same general area of the sky (M8, M16, M17, etc) which is in the general direction of the galactic center. The name "Trifid" comes from the dark dust lines which divide part of the nebula approximately into thirds although in this image the over exposed nebulosity is beginning to overwhelm the dark lanes.

Details:

Imaged on 7/29/2005 at 10:46 PM Central Time from Fordland, MO

Equipment:

Camera: Canon 300D (unmodified) at Prime Focus
Imaging Scope: 8” F4.9 Orion Reflector
Guide Scope: None
Guiding: None
Mount: Losmandy CG-11

Image Information:

8 Frames, 60 Seconds each @ ISO 1600 + Avg of 5 Darks
No flat or bias frames
Focused Captured and Processed with Images Plus 2.5