Eagle Nebula M16 in Serphens

A large scattered star cluster immersed in a large diffuse nebula. There is much obscuration in this area so the distance to M16 is uncertain. The best estimate is about 8000 light years. The size of tihs nebula is around 70 light years with the bright central portion about 20 light years in diameter.

The stars in the cluster associated with M16 are likely very young. The average age of the cluster is about 800,000 years with some members as young as 50,000 years. The dark lanes are likely associated with star formation and have been called the pillars of creation.

Images taken with TEC-140 Telescope mounted on Losmandy G11 mount. Camera used was a Canon EOS20D used at prime focus.

Ten 3 minute exposures dark, flat, and bias compensated, aligned and stacked, background removed and Digitaly Developed in ImagesPlus 2.50.