In the same constellation as the Checkmark and Trifid nebulae is the Lagoon -- visible to the naked eye as a hazy patch just off the Milky Way. It ranks as one of the best diffuse nebulae, inferior only to the Orion and possibly the Checkmark. It is very expansive with no definite borders except near the numerous dust lanes. One dark lane in particular divides the nebula in half. To the right is a sparkling open cluster.
| NGC: | 6523 (nebula) | 6530 (cluster) |
| OTHER NAMES: | M-8, Lagoon Nebula | |
| CLASS: | diffuse nebula | open cluster |
| SIZE: | 60' x 30' | 10' |
| MAGNITUDE: | +6 | |
| DISTANCE: | 3250 light years | |
| POSITION: | 18f 02m -24d 20' | |
| CONSTELLATION: | Sagittarius | |
| DATE OF SKETCH: | 10/03/75 | |
| MAGNIFICATION USED: | 40x,70x | |
