Horseshoe Nebula, M17. In the depths of the dark clouds of dust and molecular gas known as M17, stars continue to form. The nebula is also known as the Omega Nebula, the Swan Nebula, and M17.
The darkness of these molecular clouds results from background starlight being absorbed by thick carbon-based smoke-sized dust. As bright massive stars form, they produce intense and energetic light that slowly boils away the dark shroud. M17, pictured above, is visible with binoculars towards the constellation of Sagittarius, lies 5000 light-years away, and spans 20 light-years across.
(notes from S.A.C. member) - the Horseshoe (omega) nebula, i first really observed in my 13.1" dobsonian mounted newtonian reflector, back in 2007, the spring i believe. I've seen it before, but through a 13 inch telescope.. it is really defined. looks more like a sickle through my telescope. I enjoyed this as much as the lagoon or trifid because of it's unique shape.
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