The Swan Nebula

Pete

Originally posted in July 2013

Sometimes it is difficult to see how a nebula or other body got its name but I really think these photos look like a swan

hneb1

hneb2

Photos taken using the Bradford Robotic Telescope

The Swan nebula (M17/NGC6618) is also known by a number of other names such as the Omega Nebula, the Horseshoe Nebula or the Lobster Nebula. It is 5000 to 6000 light years from Earth and has a diameter of 15 to 20 light years. it is one of the brightest and most massive star-forming regions seen from Earth and is visible with binoculars in the constellation Sagittarius.

Previous posts
https://petesfavouritethings.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/swan-nebula/
https://petesfavouritethings.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/swan-nebula-2/

Published by Pete

I am semi-retired after a career in medical sciences. I now work from home doing independent research and consultancy amongst other things. One advantage of this is that I do have time to indulge my interests including birdwatching, natural history, steam trains and history particularly ancient history.

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