The Eagle Nebula (M16) in Serpens resembles the widespread wings of a majestic bird. It contains bright emission nebulosity, a young star cluster, and towering pillars of dust that gravity is compressing into stars. The dust features in this nebula gave rise to the name “Pillars of Creation” in images made with the Hubble Space Telescope. This big nebula lies some 7,000 light-years away.
Adam Block