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Credit & Copyright: Hopkins Observatory, Karen Gloria
Explanation:
The vivid blue and violet colors present in the Trifid Nebula result
from the abundance of young stars there.
The light from young massive stars is quite blue and has the ability
to remove electrons from surrounding gas. When these electrons re-combine
with the gas, radiation rich in blue and violet light is emitted. Some
of the nebula's light also results from the reflection of star light off
of extremely small carbon specks known as 'dust'.
This object is known to astronomers as M20 - the twentieth object on
Charles Messier's
list of diffuse sky objects.
This image was taken with a 6-inch refracting
telescope.
For more information on M20 see The Electronic Universe Project's write-up.
Many images of Messier objects can be found in The Electronic Universe Project's The Galaxy Gallery: Messier Objects.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Trifid nebula - M 20
Publications with words: Trifid nebula - M 20
See also: