Eagle Nebula
star-forming region · Serpens · 6.0ᵐ
The Eagle Nebula is home to the Pillars of Creation — the towers of gas and dust in Hubble’s famous 1995 image.
Notable facts
About 1/4 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Eagle Nebula in?
Eagle Nebula lies in Serpens.
Is Eagle Nebula visible to the naked eye?
6.0ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Eagle Nebula?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 19m · −13° 47′
- Type
- star-forming region
- Constellation
- Serpens
- How to observe
- 6.0ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 7′
- Designation
- M16 · NGC 6611 · Eagle Nebula
Observing tip
A UHC or OIII filter sharply raises the contrast. Start at low power to take in the whole nebula.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 16° | 118° |
| +55° | 21° | 115° |
| +45° | 31° | 110° |
| +30° | 46° | 106° |
| 0° | 76° | 104° |
| −35° | 69° | 107° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:33 |
| February | 08:26 |
| March | 06:41 |
| April | 04:47 |
| May | 02:53 |
| June | 00:47 |
| July | 22:43 |
| August | 20:42 |
| September | 18:49 |
| October | 17:00 |
| November | 14:59 |
| December | 12:51 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.