M16 (NGC6611) is a small star cluster embedded in a nebula, which is recognized with the same catalog number. Both are located in the summer constellation Serpens Cauda, and are famous for the image got from the Hubble telescope of the "Pillars of Creation". Those dark and emission complex resemble the shape of a flying eagle, and for this reason the nebulosity is also named the Eagle Nebula. This area was firstly discovered in the year 1746 by P. L. de Cheseaux. The great amount of Bok globules indicates that this is a cradle of new stars. The obiect is extended for 30', but with long exposures became visible a large area of faint nebulosity, wich is extended for about 1 square degree.

Camera : Starlight Xpress SXV-H9 with Astronomik 13nm Ha dichroic filter


Telescope : Takahashi FS-102 at F/8 on a GM2000-FS2


Guiding : ST4 on a Vixen 80/910mm.


Exposure : 4x1200sec. unbinned


Processing : MaxIm (align, combine, stretching) - Photoshop (final enhancing)


Location : St. Barthelemy (Val d'Aosta) - 1800 mt. height


Date : September 17, 2004

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