| Messier Object 8, M 8 |
The Lagoon Nebula |
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| Image Information |
| Date Imaged |
4/29/2006 |
| Location Imaged From |
Tierra del Sol , CA
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| Equipment |
Telescope: Meade 10" LX200
Mount: /Ulti-Wedge
Camera: Canon Digital Rebel
Focal Ratio: f/6.3 |
| Exposure Information |
10 X 300 seconds @ ISO 800 |
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The Lagoon Nebula (also known as Messier Object 8 (M8) and NGC 6523) is a giant interstellar cloud and H II region, in the constellation Sagittarius. At an estimated distance of 4,100 light-years, the Lagoon is one of only two star-forming nebulae faintly visible to the naked eye from mid-northern latitudes. In binoculars, the Lagoon is a distinct oval cloudlike patch with a definite core, like a pale celestial flower. The nebula has a fragile star cluster superimposed on it, making this one of the leading celestial sights of summer night skies.
In 2006 the first four Herbig-Haro objects were detected in the hourglass region of M8 also including HH 870. This provides the first direct evidence of active star formation by accretion in M8. |
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