The Trifid Nebula in Stars and Dust
Explanation:
Unspeakable beauty and unimaginable bedlam can be found
together in the
Trifid Nebula.
Also known as M20,
this photogenic nebula is
visible
with good binoculars towards the
constellation of
Sagittarius.
The energetic processes of
star formation create not only the colors but the
chaos.
The
red-glowing gas
results from high-energy starlight striking interstellar
hydrogen gas.
The dark
dust
filaments that lace
M20 were created in the atmospheres of cool
giant stars and in the
debris from
supernovae explosions.
Which bright young stars light up the blue
reflection nebula is still
being investigated.
The light from
M20
we see today left perhaps 3,000 years ago,
although the exact distance remains unknown.
Light takes about 50 years to cross
M20.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
