Trifid Nebula (M20)

Trifid Nebula (M20) is a emission nebula in the constellation Sagittarius, with an apparent magnitude of 6.3. It is about 4,110 light-years away.

Finder chart for the Trifid Nebula (M20) in the constellation Sagittarius
the Trifid Nebula (M20) (circled) in Sagittarius. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 20 (M20)
Typeemission nebula
ConstellationSagittarius
Apparent magnitude6.3
Distanceabout 4,110 light-years
Right ascension18 h 2.7 min
Declination−22.97°
Best monthAugust (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find the Trifid Nebula

The Trifid Nebula is in Sagittarius. From 40° N it is highest in the south in August evenings, about 27° up. From 35° S it reaches about 78° in the north. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Sagittarius constellation →

Other Messier objects in Sagittarius

Lagoon Nebula (M8)Omega Nebula (M17)Messier 18 (M18)Messier 21 (M21)Messier 22 (M22)Messier 23 (M23)Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24)Messier 25 (M25)Messier 28 (M28)Messier 54 (M54)Messier 55 (M55)Messier 69 (M69)Messier 70 (M70)Messier 75 (M75)

The Messier catalog →

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