Emission nebula · Sagittarius

M20 Trifid Nebula

Also known as: NGC 6514, LBN 27

mag 8.529′ across

About

M20, the Trifid Nebula, is an emission nebula of magnitude 8.5 in Sagittarius, about 29′ across.

M20 is in the constellation Sagittarius.
Best evenings: around early August it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from south of 57° N.
Teapot: Just north of the Lagoon; a telescope shows dark lanes splitting it in three.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesNot visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars (10×50)Too faint for most binoculars.
Telescope (6–8 inch)A faint glow — a UHC or OIII filter and a dark sky make the difference.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	M20, NGC 6514, LBN 27
Type	Emission nebula
Magnitude	8.5The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	29′ × 29′the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Sagittarius
Right ascension (J2000)	18h 02m 42.1s
Declination (J2000)	−22° 58′ 19″