Omega Nebula

M17: The Omega Nebula in Sagittarius (NGC 6618)


Object type: Emission (H II region) nebula
Distance from Earth: 5,000 light years
1,500 parsecs
Distance across Nebula: 30 light years
9.2 parsecs

The Omega Nebula is a bright nebula excited by a group of at least five hot O and B type stars. It is also known as the Horseshoe and the Swan.