The Messier Ten Minute Challenge

M16 - Open Cluster and Emission Nebula in Serpens

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This image was created by median combining 7 x 90 second H alpha images taken with a Takahashi Epsilon 250 with SBIG ST-8XE CCD. The image has been cut down to be 40 x 30 arc minutes in size.

The open star cluster M16 formed from the gas and dust cloud known as the Eagle Nebula - IC 4703. The Eagle Nebula emits light due to the high energy radiation from these young massive cluster stars. Star formation is still going on near the dark pillars that are well shown in this image.

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In collaboration with the Remote Astronomical Society Observatory

Martin Nicholson - Daventry, United Kingdom.

This page was last updated on April 15th 2009.