M17    NGC 6618
The Omega Nebula

Combination of 5, 1 minute images, Meade 416XTE CCD.
8" f/10 schmidt-cassegrain at prime focus.

M17 is a moderately large and bright emission nebula in Serpens. The nicknames, "Omega Nebula" and "Swan Nebula" come from the hook-shape in the south-western portion of the nebula, prominently visible in an 8" telescope. Only a little imagination is required to picture an swan swimming gracefully across the sky.

Combination of 2, 3 minute images, Meade 416XTE CCD.
300mm f/6 newtonian at prime focus.

Combination of 30, 1 minute exposures, SBIG ST9XE CCD camera.
300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.

Combination of 17, 1 minute images with a clear filter and 5, 1 minute images with red, green, and blue filters.
SBIG ST-8E CCD, 8" f/6.3 schmidt-cassegrain at prime focus.

Combination of 19, 2 minute images with a clear filter and 5, 2 minute images with red, green, and blue filters.
SBIG ST-8E CCD, 8" f/6.3 schmidt-cassegrain at prime focus.

Combination of 20, 3 minute images, using an H-alpha filter.
SBIG ST-8XE CCD. 5" f/5 refractor at prime focus.