The Lagoon Nebula lies about 5,800 light years away in the constellation of Sagittarius. At its core lies the star cluster NGC 6530 and stars within this cluster illuminate the nebula. The brightest part of the nebula is known as the "hourglass nebula". Close inspection at full resolution will reveal dark spots called Bok Globules. These are believed to be collapsing clouds of gas in the process of forming into proto stars.