The Trifid Nebula Close to the Zenith

Messier 20
Messier 20

– M20 – The Trifid Nebula (NGC 6514)
– Emission/Reflection Nebula
– Apparent Magnitude: 6.3
– Itajobi, Brazil
– July 27th, 2011
– 01h00 (U.T.)
– 2B 0.5mm graphite pencil on white paper
– 180mm dobsonian reflecting telescope
– 20mm Super Plossl eyepiece
– Magnification: 54 x
– Seeing: Antoniadi 1 (fine)
– NELM: 5.5

As I’ve already said, July 2011 was a productive month for me. I could observe and sketch many objects as I had never done before. Conditions were exceptional: no clouds, fair wind and pleasant temperature. That night I pointed my telescope to many objects. One of them was M20. Close to the Zenith, it was clearly seen. The dark paths in the Nebula were confusing, though. Only with averted vision I was able to notice the feature thoroughly, so it was a tough job to put it down on the paper. That was my best observation of The Trifid Nebula, I hope you like it.

Clear sky to everyone

Rodrigo Pasiani Costa

3 thoughts on “The Trifid Nebula Close to the Zenith”

  1. Rodrigo,

    Like this sketch of M-20 very much. You did a fine job sketching it.

    Frank 🙂

  2. Thanks, Frank. The night was so good that for one instant I thought I had seen some pale colors, but at last I concluded it was only my imagination, unfortunatelly. Maybe someday with a larger telescope.

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