Infrared/visible light comparison of views of the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8)

This image compares infrared and visible views of the Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8). The visible light image (lower) was taken with the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at La Silla in Chile. The new infrared image (upper) was taken with the VISTA telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory. In the infrared, the rich dust clouds become more transparent and the gas clouds less conspicuous. A whole host of cool red stars that are otherwise invisible can be seen.

Credit:

ESO/VVV
Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit

About the Image

Id:eso1101b
Type:Collage
Release date:5 January 2011, 12:00
Related releases:eso1101
Size:4581 x 4388 px

About the Object

Name:Lagoon Nebula, Messier 8
Type:Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Star Formation
Distance:5000 light years
Category:Nebulae

Image Formats

Large JPEG
7.3 MB
Screensize JPEG
465.2 KB