images

The Eagle nebula in Serpens.

by

J.Lodriguss/Novapix

Reference

a-neb66-11006

Date

2006-05-21

M16 is located about 7,000 light years away in the constellation of Serpens, north of Sagittarius in a rich region of the summer milky way. The Nebula's distinctive red color comes from its hydrogen gas emissions. The nebula (IC 4703) shines because of the energy provided by the cluster of hot blue and white stars M16).