A vivid panorama of the Milky Way's brightest constellations is Sagittarius. It is an impressive collection of nebulae, clusters and even distant supernova remnants. Situated close to the galactic centre, it gives astronomers a spectacular glimpse into the complete stellar cycle of birth and death.
- Discovery of Sagittarius Nebulas
The Trifid Nebula as well as the Lagoon Nebula in the Sagittarius constellation were catalogued in the 18th century by French astronomer Charles Messier. The Lagoon Nebula, or M8, extends a whopping 100 light-years or more. It glows red with light because infant stars energise massive hydrogen gas clouds.
M20, or the Trifid Nebula, is an open cluster of relatively young stars formed only a few million years ago. Its loose, scattered pattern reflects its youth and the continuing process of stellar dispersal. The faint light of NGC 6559, with a cat’s paw-like structure, is also visible.
- Hidden Treasures of Sagittarius
In addition to the Trifid Nebula and the Lagoon, the image also reveals an unusual gathering of emission, reflection and dark nebulae. Within the Trifid, a thin filament from supernova remnant SNR G007.5-01.7 can be detected with a 17-hour exposure. Also, present are two contrasting clusters: the youthful open cluster M21 and the ancient globular NGC 6544, which frame this lively stellar landscape.
- Where Stars Tell Stories
To astronomers, that single patch in the constellation Sagittarius is a natural laboratory because it shows how stars are born, how they evolve, and how they eventually recycle their ingredients into space. To others outside scientific communities, it remains one of the most beautiful portals into our galaxy's ongoing story.
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