M 17. The Omega or Swan Nebula

M 17 is one of the brightest nebula visible and can be seen as a faint patch of light shining at 6th magnitude with the unaided eye.   Although the Swan refers to the brightest portion of the nebulosity, this emission nebula extends much further as captured in long exposure photography.  Portions of the nebula are obscured by intervening dust or dark nebula.  Professionals using infrared instruments can detect new stars forming within the dark nebula.

Film:    Kodak PPF         Exposure:    60 min.         Equipment:    AP155 f7