Omega Nebula

Photograph information

Telescope : LX10 at f 6.3

Film : PJM 640

Exposure : 30min Manual guided 

Date : 8/19/98

Location : Greece Island Kreta

Object Information:

M17 (NGC 6618), the "Swan Nebula" or the "Omega Nebula". It is located  in the constellation Sagittarius five degrees north of mu Sgr, and seven arc minutes east. 

M17 is a region of star formation and shines by excited emission, caused by the higher energy radiation of young stars. Its distance estimated about 5000 light years away. The bright nebula seems to be roughly 15 light years in extension, It is seen as a curving check mark relatively bright nebulosity, with many dark mottling seen. The color of the Omega nebula is reddish, with some graduation to pink. This color comes from the hot hydrogen gas which is excited to shine by the hottest stars which have just formed within the nebula. It is very easy to observe it thru the telescope an even thru binoculars no filter is need it. As with most astronomical objects, the longer this nebula is studied, the more detail becomes apparent.

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