M 17 - Omega Nebula

The Swanor Omega Nebula (M17) was discovered in 1745 or 1746 by Philippe Loys de Cheseaux. Located about 5,700 light-years away, M17 is a vast and active star-forming region in the constellation Sagittarius. The bright center of the emission nebula is shaped like a swan, hence the name Swan Nebula. West of the swan's neck lies a very young star cluster containing about 2,000 stars, mostly hidden in the dust. Only a few bright giant stars are currently visible. Star formation continues in the dark regions of the nebulauntil today. The object is surrounded by a massive molecular cloud not visible in optical light. Like the neighboring Eagle Nebula (M16), M17 resides in the Perseus arm of our galaxy and is one of the most luminous HII regions known in our galaxy. The glowing region spans about 70 by 50 light-years.