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> The Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius

The Omega nebula (M17) in Sagittarius

author: R.Gendler/NAOJ/NASA/Novapix

reference: a-neb66-18014

Image Size 300 DPI: 29 * 30 cm

This object derives its name from its looped shape reminiscent of the Greek letter when the nebula is seen in a telescope. The gas cloud is unusual in that it does not appear to be illuminated by the bright stars that commonly found in emission nebulae such as this. However, the nebulosity is very bright, so the exciting stars must be hidden within the cloud, an idea confirmed by the infrared brightness of the nebula. It is about 6000 light years distant.

Keywords for this photo:

2013 - ASTRONOMY - DIFFUSE NEBULA - EMISSION NEBULA - M17 - NEBULA - NGC 6618 - OMEGA - SAGITTARIUS - STAR -