Copyright © 2007 Larry Phillips
M8, Lagoon Nebula in the constellation Sagittarius
Cataloged as NGC 6523
This is one of the finest and brightest star-forming regions in the sky. It is a giant cloud of interstellar matter which is currently undergoing vivid star formation, and has already formed a considerable cluster of young stars.
Distance: Estimated at 5200 light years
Size: An estimated 140 light years across
Camera: SBIG ST-2000XM
Telescope: Astrophysics Starfire 130 EDT F8
Mount: Losmandy G11 with Gemini Control with Advanced Telescope Systems portable pier
Images: 4 luminance @ 5 minutes each, 4 Red @ 5 minutes each, 4 Green
@ 5 minutes each,4 Blue @ 5 minutes each
Date: May 2007
Software: Camera and guider control - CCDSoft, Calibration and stacking -
CCDStack, Creation of color image - Photoshop CS2