ABSTRACT

An emission nebula in the constellation Serpens, position RA 18 h 18.8 m, dec. −13° 47'. It measures about 30' across and surrounds the open cluster M16 (NGC 6611); it is often mistakenly given the cluster's designation. Its shape is vaguely reminiscent of an eagle in flight, though some dark nebulosity near its center bears a closer resemblance to an eagle