Trifid Nebula
star-forming region · Sagittarius · 8.5ᵐ
The Trifid Nebula is named for the three dark dust lanes that divide it. It rarely pairs a red emission nebula with a blue reflection nebula side by side.
Notable facts
About the same apparent size as the full Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Trifid Nebula in?
Trifid Nebula lies in Sagittarius.
Is Trifid Nebula visible to the naked eye?
8.5ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe Trifid Nebula?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 03m · −23° 02′
- Type
- star-forming region
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 8.5ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 29×27′
- Designation
- M20 · NGC 6514 · Trifid Nebula
Observing tip
A UHC or OIII filter sharply raises the contrast. Start at low power to take in the whole nebula.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 7° | 141° |
| +55° | 12° | 133° |
| +45° | 22° | 124° |
| +30° | 37° | 117° |
| 0° | 67° | 113° |
| −35° | 78° | 119° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:17 |
| February | 08:10 |
| March | 06:24 |
| April | 04:31 |
| May | 02:37 |
| June | 00:31 |
| July | 22:27 |
| August | 20:26 |
| September | 18:33 |
| October | 16:44 |
| November | 14:43 |
| December | 12:35 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.