NGC 6590

NGC 6590 is a bright nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius. It's part of the larger emission nebula IC 1284, and is often referred to as a reflection nebula due to its illumination primarily by starlight reflecting off dust grains within the nebula. This reflected light gives NGC 6590 a characteristic bluish hue.

The nebula is powered by young, hot stars forming within its clouds of gas and dust. These stars emit intense ultraviolet radiation that ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to glow. While primarily a reflection nebula, NGC 6590 also exhibits some emission characteristics due to this ionization.

NGC 6590 is located approximately 4,000 light-years away from Earth. Amateur astronomers often observe it using moderate-sized telescopes, finding it a challenging but rewarding target due to its relatively faint nature. Its proximity to the Lagoon Nebula (M8) makes it a popular object to observe in the same field of view.

The designation "NGC 6590" refers to its entry in the New General Catalogue of Nebulae and Clusters of Stars, compiled by John Louis Emil Dreyer in 1888.