Swan Nebula (M17) Captured with FLAMINGOS-2 (IMAGE)

Gemini Observatory

Swan Nebula (M17) Captured with FLAMINGOS-2

Caption

This FLAMINGOS-2 image details part of the magnificent Swan Nebula (M17), where ultraviolet radiation streaming from young hot stars sculpts a dense region of dust and gas into myriad fanciful forms. M17 lies some 5,200 light-years distant in the constellation Sagittarius and is one of the most massive and luminous star-forming region's in our Galaxy. It is also one of the most studied. Field of view: 5.5 x 4.0 arcmin.

Credit

Gemini Observatory/AURA

Usage Restrictions

Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.