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M 17  (NGC 6818) - Swan Nebula    image downsized 0.4x - click on image for full size
Sagittarius
Penryn, California
August 2008
ST-10XME  LRGB 5 minute subs
M 250 @ f 9.3 (ag, ST-4)

Also known as the Omega or Horseshoe Nebula.  There are 35 illuminating stars associated with the nebula and the nebula itself has sufficient mass to support the formation of at least 800 solar mass stars.  The nebula is at 5700 light years, the brightest portion forming the body is about 12 light years long. and the full extent of the nebula is about 40 light years (Burnham).