The Eagle Nebula

Three-colour composite mosaic image of the Eagle Nebula (Messier 16, or NGC 6611), based on images obtained with the Wide-Field Imager camera on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at the La Silla Observatory. At the centre, the so-called “Pillars of Creation” can be seen. This wide-field image shows not only the central pillars, but also several others in the same star-forming region, as well as a huge number of stars in front of, in, or behind the Eagle Nebula. The cluster of bright stars to the upper right is NGC 6611, home to the massive and hot stars that illuminate the pillars. The “Spire” — another large pillar — is in the middle left of the image.

This image is a composite of 3 filters in the visible range: B (blue), V (green) and R (red).

#L

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0926a
Type:Observation
Release date:16 July 2009
Related releases:eso0926
Size:8084 x 8084 px

About the Object

Name:M 16, Messier 16, NGC 6611
Type:Milky Way : Nebula
Milky Way : Star : Grouping : Cluster : Open
Distance:7000 light years
Constellation:Serpens Cauda
Category:Nebulae

Image Formats

Large JPEG
22.6 MB
Screensize JPEG
355.6 KB

Zoomable


Wallpapers

1024x768
313.9 KB
1280x1024
470.9 KB
1600x1200
625.1 KB
1920x1200
707.4 KB
2048x1536
935.0 KB

Coordinates

Position (RA):18 18 48.01
Position (Dec):-13° 49' 11.83"
Field of view:32.08 x 32.08 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.0° left of vertical

Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Optical
B
451 nmMPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope
WFI
Optical
V
539 nmMPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope
WFI
Optical
R
651 nmMPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope
WFI