Eagle Nebula
Introduction
The M16, or the Eagle Nebula, is a young open cluster of stars in the constellation Serpens, discovered by Jean-Philippe de Chéseaux in 1745-46. The nebula is located approximately 7,000 light years from Earth and is associated with a pillar-like structure that is often referred to as the "Pillars of Creation".
Discovery and Observation
The Eagle Nebula was first discovered by Jean-Philippe de Chéseaux in 1745-46. It was later independently rediscovered by Charles Messier in 1764 as part of his catalogue of nebulous objects. Notably, it is the 16th object in Messier's catalogue, hence the designation M16.
Structure
The Eagle Nebula is part of a region of active star formation. The nebula is structured with towering pillars of cool hydrogen laced with dust. These pillars are light years in length and are so dense that they contract under their own gravity, forming new stars. The process of star formation within the nebula is a complex one, involving the interplay of gravity, radiation pressure, magnetic fields, and several other physical effects.
Pillars of Creation
The most famous feature of the Eagle Nebula is the "Pillars of Creation," a term coined by astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995. These pillars are dense columns of gas and dust that are also sites of active star formation. The pillars are being eroded by the ultraviolet light from nearby young, hot stars. This process leads to the creation of a unique, rugged landscape within the nebula.
Star Formation
The Eagle Nebula is a site of active star formation. The nebula is filled with gas and dust, which are the raw materials for making stars. When regions within the nebula gather enough mass, they start to collapse under their own gravity. This collapse leads to the formation of a protostar, which is the earliest stage of star formation. Over time, the protostar continues to gather mass and eventually ignites to become a full-fledged star.