Lagoon Nebula
star-forming region · Sagittarius · 5.8ᵐ
The Lagoon Nebula — a vast star-forming region some 100 light years across, split by a dark lane of dust.
Notable facts
Covers about 2.9 times more sky than the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Lagoon Nebula in?
Lagoon Nebula lies in Sagittarius.
Is Lagoon Nebula visible to the naked eye?
5.8ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Lagoon Nebula?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 04m · −24° 23′
- Type
- star-forming region
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 5.8ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 90×40′
- Designation
- M8 · NGC 6523 · Lagoon 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° | 6° | 146° |
| +55° | 11° | 136° |
| +45° | 21° | 126° |
| +30° | 36° | 118° |
| 0° | 66° | 114° |
| −35° | 79° | 120° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:18 |
| February | 08:11 |
| March | 06:26 |
| April | 04:32 |
| May | 02:38 |
| June | 00:32 |
| July | 22:28 |
| August | 20:27 |
| September | 18:34 |
| October | 16:45 |
| November | 14:44 |
| December | 12:36 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.