The Omega Nebula (M17) is an emission nebula int the constellation Sagittarius, 5500 LY from our solar system.  Also
known as the Swan Nebula, this large cloud of gas and dust is the birth place of new stars.  These energetic stars ionize
the surrounding Hydrogen gas, which causes it to emit light.  Estimates suggest M17 is 50 LY across.

August 5, 2008
WO ZS 105mm f/7 Apo Refractor
Canon Digital Rebel 400D / Modified (Hap Griffin)
80 Minute / 16x300s @ 800ASA
Manually guided on a 14" Meade LX200
Skyhawk Observatory, West Bend, WI
Rick Kazmierski