14 DAY TRIAL // A mammoth agglomeration of gas and dust clouds takes center stage in a new space image released by astronomers at the European Southern Observatory earlier this week.
The view, available in the gallery below, was obtained with the help of a telescope at the La Silla Observatory in Chile. Scientists say it is one of the best views yet of this space region.
The collection of gas and dust clouds, essentially a stellar nursery spanning about 15 light-years across, is officially known as Messier 17. Still, it has many other names.
Some like to call it the Omega Nebula. Then, there are others who would much rather refer to it as the Swan Nebula, the Checkmark Nebula, the Horseshoe Nebula or the Lobster Nebula.
Astronomers say Messier 17 is located at a distance of about 5,500 light-years from our cosmic neighborhood, in the constellation of Sagittarius, otherwise known as The Archer.
Stars are now forming at a rapid pace from the dust and the gas that comprise it, with many such young fiery orbs being visible in this view delivered by the La Silla Observatory.
“The object spans a big section of the sky - its gas and dust clouds measure about 15 light-years across. This material is fueling the birth of new stars and the wide field of view of the new picture reveals many stars in front of, in, or behind Messier 17,” astronomers say.
The nebula is estimated to hide about 800 stars at its core and many others on its outskirts. It still holds about 30,000 Suns' worth of star-forming material, so it's safe to assume it's nowhere near done creating new stars.
