M16 is a young open cluster surrounded by an emission nebula, it was made famous by the Hubble image "Pillars of Creation" visible in the center of the nebula. NASA revisits the Eagle Nebula
The nebula has several active star forming regions in the nebula, and the nebula shines by emission light from the young massive O type stars. The cluster is located in the Sagittarius arm at a distance of about 7,000 light years away.
Messier 16 aka The Eagle Nebula
- Constellation: Serpens
- Right Ascension: 18h 18m 48s
- Declination: −13° 49'
- Distance: 5,700 ly
- Details
- Category: Nebulas
- Telescope: GSO RC10
- Camera: ZWO 1600 MM