Sculpted by stellar winds and radiation, the star factory known as Messier 17 lies some 5,500 light-years away in the nebula-rich constellation Sagittarius. At that distance, this degree wide field of view spans almost 100 light-years. Stellar winds and energetic light from hot, massive stars formed from M17's stock of cosmic gas and dust have slowly carved away at the remaining interstellar material producing the cavernous appearance and undulating shapes. M17 is also known as the Omega Nebula or the Swan Nebula.

Telescope: Officina Stellare RH200 @ f/3
Mount: Astrophysics Mach1 GTO
Camera: QSI 683+ Mono
Filters: Astrodon LRGB+Ha
Total Exposure: 6h (L:120 / R:60 / G:60: B:60 / Ha:60)
Location: Elikonas Mt. Greece

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