Eagle Nebula (M16)

Eagle Nebula (M16) is a emission nebula in the constellation Serpens, with an apparent magnitude of 6.0. It is about 5,870 light-years away.

Finder chart for the Eagle Nebula (M16) in the constellation Serpens
the Eagle Nebula (M16) (circled) in Serpens. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 16 (M16)
Typeemission nebula
ConstellationSerpens
Apparent magnitude6.0
Distanceabout 5,870 light-years
Right ascension18 h 18.8 min
Declination−13.81°
Best monthAugust (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find the Eagle Nebula

The Eagle Nebula is in Serpens. From 40° N it is highest in the south in August evenings, about 36° up. From 35° S it reaches about 69° in the north. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Serpens constellation →

Other Messier objects in Serpens

Messier 5 (M5)

The Messier catalog →

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