M17 - Omega Nebula
The Omega Nebula (also called Swan Nebula or Horseshoe Nebula) is an emission nebula and star-forming region, one of the brightest and most massive HII regions in our galaxy.
Distance: 5,000 light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 6.00
Apparent Size: 15' × 11'
Constellation: Sagittarius
Object Type: Emission Nebula (HII region)
Key Features:
- Swan/Omega shape from dark dust lanes
- Contains ~800 stars (100+ early-type)
- Massive molecular cloud behind
- Active star formation
- No surrounding star cluster visible
Best Imaging Season: June - September
Optimal Integration: 8+ hours
