The Lagoon Nebula (M8)

 

Object Type: Emission Nebula

Top 2 Images
Scope: AP 5" Refractor
Exposure 81 minutes

Bottom Image:

Scope: Orion 80mm APO

Exposure: 90 minutes

 

 

The Lagoon Nebula (catalogued as Messier 8 or M8, and as NGC 6523) is a giant interstellar cloud in the constellation Sagittarius. It is classified as an emission nebula and as an H II region.

 

The Lagoon Nebula was discovered by Guillaume Le Gentil in 1747 and is one of only two star-forming nebulae faintly visible to the naked eye from mid-northern latitudes. Seen with binoculars, it appears as a distinct oval cloudlike patch with a definite core. A fragile star cluster appears superimposed on it.