M20. Trifid Nebula in Sagittarius

Orientation: Ø20', m6.3, RA 18h02.5m, Dec -23°02'
Image Scale: 3.5 arc sec/pixel
Exposure: Lum 5 x 300" Bin 1x1, RGB 6 x 300" Bin 2x2
Telescope: Takahashi FSQ-106 @ f/5 (fl=530mm)
Camera: SBIG STL-11000M CCD
Mount: Paramount ME on ATS Portable Pier
Location: Ningaloo Skies Observatory, Exmouth, Western Australia on 27 Jan 2008
Notes: The Trifid Nebula shines with the characteristic red glow of hydrogen gas that is energized by young, hot stars embedded in the nebula's core (emission nebulosity). M20 is also tinged with blue starlight scattered by interstellar dust particles (reflection nebulosity).