M16 and IC 4703
M16 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Serpens and is at a distance of about 7000 light years from Earth. M16 is an area of intense star formation being fueled by the massive dust and hydrogen gas clouds of a diffuse emission nebula IC 4703 also known as the Eagle Nebula. The gas clouds have been caused to emit energy seen as visible light by the high energy given off from its newly forming stars. New stars are still being formed in the dark pillar-like regions of this nebula.

Image capture and processing information:

Date/Location: July 06, 2007 Camp Telequa, Tiller, Oregon
Instrument: SBIG ST-2000XCM through an Orion 8 inch Newtonian reflector
Focal Ratio: f4.9 with Baader Coma Corrector
Guiding: Self-Guiding camera
Conditions: clear
Weather: 79 F, no breeze
Exposure: 20 minute single exposure
Processing: Focused and captured with CCDOPS. Image processed using CCDOPS and Adobe Photoshop CS2