M17 - the Omega Nebula
[M17 - the Omega Nebula] is between 5,000 and 6,000 light-years from Earth and it spans some 15 light-years in diameter! It is also known as the Swan Nebula and the Horseshoe Nebula, I'm not convinced I agree with any of these names, either from my image or from images at higher resolution / better imaging. Then again [John Herschel's] low resolution view of this object [suggests it really was an "Omega" shape]. As brightest galactic nebula in the northern sky the object is a fairly good binocular target, so get out their and take a look!
