Swan Nebula (M17)

This FLAMINGOS-2 near-infrared 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.

Credit:

International Gemini Observatory/AURA

About the Image

Id:gemini1306a
Type:Observation
Release date:Aug. 6, 2013
Related releases:gemini1306
Size:1842 x 1331 px

About the Object

Name:M17, Swan Nebula
Distance:5500 light years
Constellation:Sagittarius
Category:Nebulae

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Coordinates

Position (RA):18 20 33.17
Position (Dec):-16° 8' 15.42"
Field of view:5.49 x 3.97 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 179.9° right of vertical


Colors & filters

BandWave-lengthTele-scope
Infrared
Y
1.02 μmGemini South
FLAMINGOS 2
Infrared
J
1.25 μmGemini South
FLAMINGOS 2
Infrared
K
2.2 μmGemini South
FLAMINGOS 2