The Eagle Nebula
This eerie, dark structure, resembling an imaginary sea serpent's head, is a column of cool molecular hydrogen gas (two atoms of hydrogen in each molecule) and dust that is an incubator for new stars. The stars are embedded inside finger-like protrusions extending from the top of the nebula. Each 'fingertip' is somewhat larger than our own solar system.
Credit:About the Image
About the Object
| Name: | Eagle Nebula, Messier 16 |
|---|---|
| Type: | Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Star Formation |
| Distance: | 7000 light years |
| Constellation: | Serpens Cauda |
| Category: | Nebulae |
Classic Wallpapers
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 18 18 50.83 |
|---|---|
| Position (Dec): | -13° 48' 59.34" |
| Field of view: | 1.27 x 1.24 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 42.7° left of vertical |
View in ESASky:
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Telescope |
|---|---|
| Optical Oiii |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |
| Optical H-alpha |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |
| Optical Sii |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |