The Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae

These star-forming regions are located in the rich star fields in the direction of the center of our galaxy. Glowing gas mixed with dark dust is collapsing to create new stars. The Trifid Nebula (upper right) is a combination of an emission nebula, which glows red, and a reflection nebula, which reflects blue light from the newly born stars. It is 3000 light years from earth and about 50 light years across. The Lagoon Nebula, 5000 light-years from earth and 100 light years across, is mostly luminous hydrogen gas.