Emission nebula
The Eagle Nebula
Also M16 · NGC 6611 · Sh 2-49
A star-forming cloud and young cluster, home of the dust columns called the Pillars of Creation.
Measured
- Distance
- about 5,700 light-years (published estimates 5,284–6,099)
- Size
- about 70 light-years across (approximate)
- Constellation
- Serpens
- Position (J2000)
- RA 18h 18m 45s, Dec −13.79°
How far, from the Sun
About 5,700 light-years. To cross it:
- Light5,700 years
- Voyager 1's speed101 million years
- Driving at 100 km/h61.5 billion years
Voyager 1 at the speed it moved outward over the year to 2026-10-25 (JPL Horizons). Driving: nonstop, never refuelling.
Facts
- Hubble photographed its Pillars of Creation in 1995, one of its most famous images.
- The tallest pillar is about 4 light years long.
How it was found
- Its star cluster was discovered by Philippe Loys de Chéseaux around 1745.
Where this comes from
- Kuhn et al. 2019, Gaia DR2 parallaxes of cluster stars (1,740 +130/−120 pc)
Every catalogue Ouranos draws is credited on the credits page.