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The Eagle Nebula (Messier 16)

The Eagle Nebula (Messier 16) is an emission nebula with an open cluster and star forming region full of young stars. It’s located in the constellation Serpens and is roughly 5,700 light years away from us.

The Eagle Nebula is also known for another number of structures within it such as the pillar like structures most famously called the Pillars of Creation, based on the NASA image, and the Black Pillar. both are giant columns of gas and dust.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Nebula

 

I’ve always wanted to image the Eagle Nebula, because of the beloved NASA image I saw growing up.

This image was made with 10 hrs of data collected over the past week (4hrs ha, 3hrs Oiii, 3.25hrs Sii). Also just looking at the integrated Ha data alone makes a lovely image.

Technical

Explore Scientific 127 FCD100 APO telescope
MoonLite focuser
SkyWatcher EQ6-R Pro mount
ZWO ASI1600 MM Pro camera
Chroma Ha, Oiii, and Sii filters