Messier 20

After applying the techniques of unsharp masking and photographic amplifying to this 3-color composite image taken with the 3.9-meter Anglo Australian Telescope, David Malin was able to bring out fine faint details of the Trifid Nebula. In particular, it becomes obvious that the blue reflection nebula completely envelopes the brighter red emission nebula, and itself exhibits a complicated structure. The patchy pattern of dark nebulae is also conspicuous in this image.

This image is copyrighted and may be used for private purpose only. For any other kind of use, including internet mirroring and storing on CD-ROM, please contact the Photo Permissions Department (photo at aaoepp.aao.gov.au) of the Australian Astronomical Observatory.

Unprocessed version of the same composite image

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Hartmut Frommert
Christine Kronberg
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Last Modification: April 19, 1998