M16 - The Eagle Nebula in Serpens

M16 is the young open star cluster, but this area is more well known for the vast area of nebulosity known as the Eagle Nebula, or formally IC 4703. This is a very active area of star birth. The large bright nebula resembles and eagle in flight, but the inner dark nebula shown here also resembles an eagle with it's wings folded and with prey in its talons. This inner portion was made famous in the striking Hubble Telescope photo of the region shown by clicking HERE.

Date/Location:    April 26, 2003     Iwancio-Hodge Observatory    Bethune, SC
Instrument:    SBIG ST-5C through 8" Orion Newtonian
Focal Ratio:
Guiding:    Track and accumulate
Conditions:    Visually clear with moderate high level water vapor
Weather:    50 F, Still wind
Exposure: 20 x 30 seconds
Filters:    None
Processing: Photoshop 5

Back