Messier 8
Messier 8 is located in
the constellation of Sagittarius in the summer Milky Way.
Messier 8 is also
called the "Lagoon Nebula" for its easily visible wide curving dark
channel. This bright emission nebula can be seen unaided in
very dark skies and is easily visible with a pair of binoculars
under a dark country sky. Messier 8 is a favorite subject of astrophotographers. It is believed that the nebulosity is
approximately 5,200 light years away from us and its width is
believed to be 140 light years across.
The numerous dark patches
seen in the image above are called "globules" and are believed to be
collapsing protostellar clouds from which future generations of
stars will be formed.
The above image also
shows and open cluster of bright type "O" stars known as NGC 6530
which was first described by Flamsteed in about 1680.
More information Messier
8 and links to more photos can be seen at:
http://www.seds.org/messier/m/m008.html
