M16 and the Eagle Nebula (IC4703)

  
 
 
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  • RA: 18:18.8
  • Dec: -13:47
  • Magnitude: 6.4
  • Distance: 7000 ly
  • Constellation:  Serpens
  • Scope: 8" SCT at f/10
  • Autoguider:  ST-4 in faint mode
  • Sky conditions:  great transparency and seeing
  • Film: Kodak Supra 400
  • Exposure:  30 and 60 minutes
  • Date:  May 25 and July 1, 2003
Comments:  I just reshot this image on two nights this year.  The open star cluster M16 has formed from the diffuse Eagle Nebula (IC4703), which is now caused to shine by emission light.  New stars are still in the process of forming near the dark "elephant trunks" that are visible.  The cluster is only about 5.5 million years old.