Omega Nebula

Omega Nebula

The Omega Nebula (nicknamed the Swan Nebula) is an H II region in the constellation of Sagittarius. It is about 5,500 light-years away from Earth. It was discovered by Philippe Loys de Chéseaux in 1745.[1] Charles Messier added it to his catalog as M17 on the night of 3 June 1764.[2] M17 has more names than any other deep-sky object. In addition to the Omega Nebula and Swan Nebula, it is also called the Horseshoe Nebula, the Checkmark Nebula and the Lobster Nebula.[2] Omega can be seen through binoculars or a small telescope.[3]

Omega Nebula Media

References

  1. Nigel Henbest; Heather Couper, The Guide to the Galaxy (New York: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 1994), p. 209
  2. 2.0 2.1 Robert Thompson; Barbara Thompson, Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders: From Novice to Master Observer (Sebastopol, CA: Make:Books, 2007), p. 407
  3. Philip S. Harrington; Edward Pascuzzi, Astronomy for All Ages: Discovering the Universe Through Activities for Children and Adults (Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot Press, 2000), p. 153