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 1 the apparent diameter of the 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.