Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae (M8 & M20)

This image captures two iconic nebulae in the heart of the summer Milky Way — the Lagoon Nebula (M8) and the Trifid Nebula (M20) — located in the constellation Sagittarius, near the galactic core.

The photograph was taken from a remote mountainous location along the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, far from city lights. The dark sky conditions and stable atmosphere allowed for rich detail and color to emerge from these bright emission regions.

The Lagoon Nebula (M8) is a large emission nebula and stellar nursery located ~4,100 light-years from Earth. The young star cluster NGC 6530 illuminates its gas clouds.
The Trifid Nebula (M20), about ~5,200 light-years away, is uniquely composed of emission, reflection, and dark nebulae — earning its name from the three dark lanes that divide it.

This wide-field shot showcases the richness of the Sagittarius starfield and the beauty of nebular structures emerging from the galactic dust.

Main Scope: Samyang 135mm f/1.8
Guiding Scope: Svbony Mini Guider Scope 30mm/120mm F4
Mount: iOptron HAE43
Main Camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro (cooled)
Guide Camera: ZWO ASI120MM
Filter: Optolong L-eNhance
Exposure: 27 frames × 300 seconds (Total: 2 hours and 15 minutes)
Camera Temp: -10°C
Gain: 120
Imaging Software: ASIAir

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