M17 - The Swan/Omega Nebula
A bright nebula which appears at first glance to be in the shape of a swan but takes on the appearance of the greek letter omega or a horseshoe depending on your point of view.

  • RA:18:21
  • Dec: -16:11
  • Size: 46'
  • Magnitude: 6.0
  • Distance: 5000 ly
  • Constellation: Sagittarius
  • Millennium Star Atlas: Vol. III, p. 1367
  • Scope: 12.5" Ritchey-Chretien at f/9
  • Autoguider: ST-4 in average mode
  • Sky conditions: Extremely transparent, good seeing
  • Film: FLI Dream Machine CCD
  • Exposure: 15x50 seconds L, 5x180 seconds R,G,B
  • Date: 7-13-02

One of the clearest nights I have seen yet.


Back to the photograph list...