IC 4703

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This shows the nebulosity of IC 4703. The Columns of Creation are visible.
This shows the nebulosity of IC 4703. The Columns of Creation are visible.

IC 4703 is the diffuse emission nebula or HII region associated with Messier 16, which is actually a cluster of stars. It is the nebulous region surrounding Messier 16. These two objects make up the Eagle Nebula. They are relatively bright and are located in the constellation Serpens Cauda. This region contains the picturesque Columns of Creation. This is an active star forming region 7,000 light years away. It is approximately magnitude 8. The cluster was discovered by De Cheseaux, but Messier later rediscovered it and remarked on its apparent nebulous appearance. The cluster is estimated to be 5.5 million years old, and the nebula would be a bit older. The nebula is about 55 x 70 light years. The Eagle Nebula lies in the Sagittarius Arm of the Milky Way.

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