Trifid Nebula M20 and Open Cluster M21
Taken by Tom Wildoner on July 13, 2026 @
Weatherly, PA, USA
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Camera Used: Unavailable Unavailable
Exposure Time: Unavailable
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ISO: Unavailable
Date Taken: 2026:10:26 11:49:55
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Details:
Messier 20 (widely cataloged as M20 or NGC 6514), famously known as the Trifid Nebula, is a vibrant and visually complex star-forming region located in the constellation Sagittarius. Discovered by Charles Messier in June 1764, the nebula derives its name from its distinctive appearance, which is divided into three distinct lobes by dark, intersecting dust lanes. M20 is a rare and striking cosmic triple-threat, combining three different types of nebulae: a bright emission nebula (glowing pinkish-red from hydrogen gas ionized by hot young stars), a reflection nebula (shining with a contrasting blue hue from starlight scattering off surrounding dust), and a dark nebula (the opaque obscuring lanes that silhouette the glowing background).
Messier 21 (widely cataloged as M21 or NGC 6531) is a striking open star cluster located in the constellation Sagittarius, positioned just a degree away from the famous Trifid Nebula (M20). M21 is a relatively young, sparse, and gravitationally unbound cluster containing roughly 60 to 80 stars. Unlike ancient globular clusters, M21 is a pristine galactic nursery born from the same vast molecular cloud complex, populated by hot, brilliant blue-white massive stars alongside younger, lesser-mass stellar members. Because its stars are still relatively young—estimated to be only about 4.5 to 6 million years old—it has not yet had time to disperse across the galaxy, though its loose structure means it will eventually drift apart over long astronomical timescales.
🔭 Technical Details:
Telescope: Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED
Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Bin1 + Optolong L-eXtreme
Mount: Celestron CGX-L pier mounted
Capture: 12 x 300 seconds.
Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA (Bortle 4)
Processing: PixInsight and DSS
Image Date: July 13, 2026.
Photographer's website:
https://www.facebook.com/tom.wildoner/
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