Lagoon Nebula (M 8)
Lagoon Nebula (M 8) is an emission nebula in the constellation Sagittarius, magnitude 4.6, 1.5° × 40′ across.
A bright emission nebula visible to the naked eye from dark sites, crossed by a dark lane (the 'lagoon') with the young cluster NGC 6530 on its eastern side. A UHC filter brings out the gas and the bright Hourglass region near its western end.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around July, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in June). It can be seen from everywhere south of 66°N and never sets south of 66°S.
At its highest it stands 16° up from 50°N, 31° up from 35°N, 66° up from the equator, 79° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Emission nebula
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- Designations
- M 8, NGC 6523, NGC 6533
- Magnitude
- 4.6
- Apparent size
- 1.5° × 40′
- Position
- RA 18h 3.7m, Dec −24° 23′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Lagoon Nebula (M 8) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.