Comparison of the Trifid Nebula in visible and infrared light

This picture compares a new view of the Trifid Nebula in infrared light, from the VVV VISTA survey (top) with a more familiar visible-light view from a small telescope (bottom). The glowing clouds of gas and dust are much less prominent in the infrared view, but many more stars behind the nebula become apparent, including two newly discovered Cepheid variable stars.