About Trifid Nebula (M20)

Trifid Nebula is a rewarding deep-sky target and appears as a soft glow. It has moderate brightness.

Current visibility

It is currently below the horizon.

It stays above 30° for roughly 8 hours.

Nebulae benefit from filters, contrast improves away from light pollution.

Observing tips

This object is better suited for experienced observers.

What to expect

At higher magnification, subtle detail can be detected.

It is less prominent than the brightest objects in the catalog.

Type

Diffuse Nebula

Constellation

Sagittarius

Distance

5200 ly

Size

29.0' x 27.0'

Season

Summer

Difficulty

Very Hard

Magnitude

9