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Object:
M20 - Trifid Nebula
Date(s):
29, 30, 31 Aug 2014
Location:
 Rancho Hidalgo, NM
Telescope:
 Takahashi TOA-130 at f/7
Mount:
 CGE mount
Camera:
 SBIG ST-4000CM
Single-Shot Color:
 Yes
Exposure:
7 20 minute exposures bin 1
Comments:

Monsoon clouds finally cleared for a few days!

This object is difficult to shoot from Arizona/New Mexico because it is highest in the sky when the monsoon clouds are obscuring the sky.

I have always liked this nebula because of the contrast of the emission nebula (reddish) and the reflection nebula (bluish).

I was surprised and pleased to see additional faint reddish nebulosity in the surrounding area.

I realized earlier this month that I had not taken a "good" shot of this nebula using my current equipment. My best earlier effort was here (taken in 2010 through LOTS of light pollution) and here (from Newman Park near Flagstaff in 2002 with SBIG ST-7XME camera.)

I think I am making progress...