Messier 8: The Lagoon Distance: 5800 light years Similar to other bright HII regions M8 exists as a thin glowing blister of excited gas on the near surface of a giant molecular cloud. The outer perimeter of M8 shows a noticeable paucity of stars betraying the subtle presence of a dark molecular cloud which permeates the region and attenuates the background stars. — R.G.

Messier 8: The Lagoon

Distance: 5800 light years

Similar to other bright HII regions M8 exists as a thin glowing blister of excited gas on the near surface of a giant molecular cloud. The outer perimeter of M8 shows a noticeable paucity of stars betraying the subtle presence of a dark molecular cloud which permeates the region and attenuates the background stars. — R.G.