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Eagle Nebula

Star Queen Nebula, M16, NGC 6611, IC 4703

Proper NamesEagle Nebula, Star Queen Nebula
Messier NumberM16
NGC/IC NumberNGC 6611
ConstellationSerpens
Right Ascension18h 18m 48s
Declination-13° 48' 24"
Distance1,350 light years
5,700 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +6.4
Absolute: -4.8
Mean DiameterApparent: 35' x 28'
Actual diameter: 58 light years
Optimum VisibilityJuly
NotesThis star-forming region has the approximate shape of an eagle with outstretched wings, measuring nearly sixty light years from wingtip to wingtip. In its central regions lies a cluster of newly formed hot young stars. Formally it is this cluster that is designated NGC 6611, while IC 4703 describes the surrounding nebula.

A red emission nebula in Serpens, made famous by the striking Hubble Space Telescope pictures of its central regions, showing three distinct 'pillars' of gaseous material.

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