M16 is an open star cluster and cloud of hot gas about 7,000
light-years away in the constellation Serpens. It contains a
diffuse nebula and several dark dust lanes known as the Eagle
Nebula. The name comes from the shape of the nebula, which
resembles a flying eagle. The stars in the cluster formed from
the gasses in this nebula, and new stars are still in the
process of forming. This bright object can easily be seen with
any optical instrument. Color photographs will show off the
bright red color of the nebula.
