M8 - The Lagoon Nebula
Copyright 2002 John Hodge
The nebula gets its name from the fact that the main cloud is bi-sected by a dark region in its middle resembling a lagoon on an island. The young open star cluster NGC 6530, here seen to the left of the "lagoon" was formed from the gas and dust comprising the nebula. The Lagoon Nebula is approximately 5200 light years distant.
Date/Location:
August 2002 Iwancio-Hodge Observatory
Bethune, SC
Instrument: SBIG ST-7 through 12" LX-200
Focal Ratio: f 10
Guiding: Auto via ST-7
Conditions: Visually clear, but with moderate high level water
vapor
Weather:
Exposure:
Filters: None
Processing: