Click for larger image (67%)
| Catalogue and alternative designations | M17,
Swan Nebula, Omega nebula, NGC
6618
|
| Type | Bright nebula |
| Position | 18 20 26, -16 10 36 |
| Constellation | Sagittarius |
| Camera and Telescope | STXL6303 and 36.8 cm RCOS Ritchey Chretien |
| Focal Ratio | F9 |
| Exposure Details | LRGB
image using Astrodon Near
Infrared filters. Luminance =
100 minutes, Red = Green = Blue =
60
minutes. Luminance unbinned,
colours binned 2x2
With the Astrodon filters (not sold anymore), Red is assigned to a band peaking at about 850nm, Green peaking at about 830nm and Blue at 750nm. The luminance is "visible blocked" with zero response shorter than 700nm. |
| Description | M17 is one of the brightest and most detailed emission nebulae in the sky with the brightest portions being roughly 15' x 3'. The entire nebula, however, spans 46' x 37' and is estimated to be about 5868 light years distant. This near infrared view reduces the nebulosity allowing many of the obscured stars to shine through. |