... The beautiful Trifid Nebula (aka M20), a photogenic study in cosmic contrasts, lies about 5,000 light-years away toward the nebula rich constellation Sagittarius. ... Visible are snow peaked mountains near and far, tremendous cliffs, distant plateaus, the tops of clouds, and a dark blue sky. ... Yesterday, at about 10 am Universal Time, Mars and Earth passed closer than in nearly 60,000 years. ... At about 10 am Universal Time today, Mars and Earth will pass closer than in nearly 60,000 years. ...