Lagoon Nebula M8 and Trifid Nebula M20

CCD vs Film? Lots of time vs no patience? Alright, this is your place to discuss all the astrophotography what's and what's not. You can discuss about techniques, accessories, cameras, whatever....just make sure you also post some nice photos here too!
Post Reply
celeron787
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2020 2:30 pm

Lagoon Nebula M8 and Trifid Nebula M20

Post by celeron787 »

My attempt at another region of the milky way after some encouraging results from M22 and M25 with only about 4mins of integration time. The Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae frames up very nicely with a 135mm focal length. I aimed for about an hour of integration time hoping to bring out the nebulosity of both nebulae. Hints of both nebulae can be seen on a single 15sec sub. Managed to get it done before the bright moon appeared.

View plate-solved version here: http://nova.astrometry.net/annotated_full/4445610

The Lagoon Nebula (M8) is an emission nebula in the constellation Sagittarius. Located 5,200 light-years from Earth, M8 is home to its own star cluster: NGC 6530. The massive stars embedded within the nebula give off enormous amounts of ultraviolet radiation, ionizing the gas and causing it to shine.

The Trifid Nebula (M20) is also located in Sagittarius. Its name means 'divided into three lobes'. The object is an unusual combination of an open cluster of stars; an emission nebula (the lower, red portion), a reflection nebula (the upper, blue portion) and a dark nebula (the apparent 'gaps' within the emission nebula that cause the trifurcated appearance.

Side note - Managed to get a shot of andromeda, but post-processing kinda failed miserably. Probably due to it being too low and too much harsh gradients.

Sony A6000
Samyang 135mm F2.0
Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer
Tripod

Bortle 8
ISO400
Light frames - 360 x 15secs
Dark Frames - 30 x 15secs
Flat Frames - 35
Bias Frames - 50

Deep Sky Stacker
StarTools - 50% Bin, Autodev, Crop, Wipe, Life, Decon, Color, Defringe filter

Image
hhzhang
Posts: 730
Joined: Sun May 10, 2020 4:11 pm
Favourite scope: 115mm APO

Re: Lagoon Nebula M8 and Trifid Nebula M20

Post by hhzhang »

Our dear galactic centre region. Amazing shot from the poor light pollution situation here.
celeron787
Posts: 113
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2020 2:30 pm

Re: Lagoon Nebula M8 and Trifid Nebula M20

Post by celeron787 »

Thanks! I'm very happy with how the image turned out.
My other image of the rho ophiuchi however was a disaster lol
User avatar
Airconvent
Super Moderator
Posts: 5784
Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2003 11:49 pm
Location: United Federation of the Planets

Re: Lagoon Nebula M8 and Trifid Nebula M20

Post by Airconvent »

Lots of details.. thanks for sharing :)
The Boldly Go Where No Meade Has Gone Before
Captain, RSS Enterprise NCC1701R
United Federation of the Planets
rifleman175
Posts: 81
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2018 5:16 pm
Favourite scope: Skywatcher Esprit 100ED

Re: Lagoon Nebula M8 and Trifid Nebula M20

Post by rifleman175 »

Great wide field shot with plenty of details!
Post Reply