| The Lagoon Nebula (M8) and the young star cluster NGC 6530 (center left) are located in the constellation of Sagittarius, 5,000 LY from our solar system. This nebula is a huge cloud of gas and dust, and the birth place of new stars. These young energetic stars ionize the surrounding Hydrogen gas, which causes it to emit light. Estimates vary, but the full extent of this nebula is well over 50 LY across. |
| Date: | July 14, 2007 |
| Optics: | WO ZS 105mm f/7 Apo Refractor - Baader IR Filter |
| Camera: | Canon Digital Rebel 300D / Modified (Hap Griffin) |
| Exposure: | 85 Minutes / 17x300s @ 800ASA |
| Guiding: | Manually guided on a 14" Meade LX200 |
| Location: | Skyhawk Observatory, West Bend, WI |
| Photo By: | Rick Kazmierski |
