This eerie, dark structure in IC 4703 (the Eagle nebula) is a column of cool molecular hydrogen gas and dust that is an incubator for new stars. These new stars are embedded inside finger-like protrusions clearly seen extending from the top of the column, and will eventually emerge (separate) from the column. Each "fingertip" is somewhat larger than our own solar system. Spectral mapping by J. Hester and P. Scowen, November 2, 1995.
Larger version

Messier object M16, also known as NGC 6611, is a young open cluster of stars in the constellation Serpens Cauda. It is associated with a diffuse emission nebula, or H II region, which is cataloged as IC 4703 and called the Eagle Nebula. This region of current star formation is about 7,000 light years distant, at right ascension 18.3 h and declination -5°.

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