The Pillars of Creation, Eagle Nebula

Pillars

Acquisition: AT115EDT. May, 2024

The Eagle Nebula

Eagle nebula

Location in Sky

Eagle nebula

Acquisition: Redcat. July, 2022


Quick Facts

  • Catalog: Messier 16.
  • Discovered: 1745, Jean-Phillipe de Cheseaux.
  • Distance from Earth: 7,000 Lightyears.
  • Diameter: 70 Lightyears.
  • Magnitude: 6.4
  • Best Visible: Summer.

    • Description

    The Eagle's nebula is an active star forming region in the Serpens constellation. This nebula spans 70 x 50 Lightyears and is about 5.5 Million years old. Inside a nebula like this, gravity pulls gas inwards towards the center and if enough is present, nuclear fusion ignites and the compacted cloud becomes a new star. The Eagle nebula is also home to the famous Pillars of Creation.