In Perspective

These images pair wide-field context views with close-up targets. Click on any annotated object to navigate to a detailed view, or use the Expand button for a fullscreen experience.

Sadr Region — IC 1318 and the Crescent Nebula

IC 1318 is a large emission nebula surrounding Sadr (γ Cygni), the central star of the Northern Cross in Cygnus. The wide field reveals an intricate web of glowing hydrogen gas shaped by stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation from nearby hot stars. Within this region, the Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) stands out as a tighter shell of gas energized by a Wolf-Rayet star — one of the most luminous and short-lived types of star known.

Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae — M8 and M20

M8, the Lagoon Nebula, and M20, the Trifid Nebula, are two of the most striking emission nebulae in the summer sky, both located in Sagittarius. The wide field captures them sharing the same frame — M8 dominates the right side with its sweeping red glow, while the smaller Trifid sits to the upper left, its name coming from the dark lanes that divide it into three lobes. Click either nebula to see a closer view.