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Credit & Copyright: Nelson Ortega
Explanation:
The majestic
Lagoon Nebula
is filled with hot gas and the home for many young stars.
Spanning 100 light years across while lying only about 5000 light years distant, the
Lagoon Nebula is so big and bright that it
can
be seen without a
telescope toward the
constellation of the
Archer
(Sagittarius).
Many bright stars are visible from
NGC 6530, an
open cluster that
formed in the nebula only several million years ago.
The greater nebula, also known as
M8 and
NGC 6523,
is named "Lagoon" for the band of dust seen to the
left of the open cluster's center.
The featured image was taken in three colors with details are brought out by
light emitted by
Hydrogen
Star formation continues in the
Lagoon Nebula as witnessed
by the many dark dust-laden
globules that exist there.
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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: M 8 - Lagoon Nebula
Publications with words: M 8 - Lagoon Nebula
See also: