Messier 17 is a huge H II star forming nebula in the constellation Sagittarius. Residing at just over 5,000 light years, M17 has a diameter of about 15 light years. Messier 17 is quite similar in composition and shape to the Orion Nebula, though when viewing M17 we see the nebula on edge instead of the near face view we see with the Orion Nebula. The Swan is frequently on display at Frosty Drew Observatory during the summer months.

We captured this image at the Observatory on June 25, 2015.

-Scott