Omega Nebula
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| Omega Nebula | |
 |
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| Observation data: J2000 epoch | |
|---|---|
| Type | Emission |
| Right ascension | 18h 20m 26s[1] |
| Declination | −16° 10′ 36″[1] |
| Distance | 5,000-6,000 ly |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | +6.0[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 11 arcmins |
| Constellation | Sagittarius |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | - |
| Absolute magnitude (V) | - |
| Notable features | - |
| Other designations | M17, NGC 6618, Swan Nebula[1], Sharpless 45, RCW 160, Gum 81 |
| See also: Diffuse nebula, Lists of nebulae | |
The Omega Nebula (also known as the Swan Nebula, Messier 17 or NGC 6618) is an H II region in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by Philippe Loys de Chéseaux in 1745. Charles Messier catalogued it in 1764. It is located in the rich starfields of the Sagittarius area of the Milky Way.
Earth's distance to the Omega Nebula is between 5,000 and 6,000 light-years and it spans some 15 light-years in diameter. The cloud of interstellar matter of which this nebula is a part is roughly 40 light-years in diameter. The total mass of the Omega Nebula is an estimated 800 solar masses.
A cluster of 35 stars lies embedded in the nebulosity and it is these hot, young stars' radiation that excites the gases in the nebula to shine.
[edit] External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
- Messier 17, SEDS Messier pages
- Messier 17 Amateur Image by Waid Observatory
- Omega Nebula at ESA/Hubble
