Omega Nebula
star-forming region · Sagittarius · 7.0ᵐ
The Omega, or Swan, Nebula — one of the brightest star-forming regions in our Galaxy.
Notable facts
Covers about 1.5 times more sky than the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Omega Nebula in?
Omega Nebula lies in Sagittarius.
Is Omega Nebula visible to the naked eye?
7.0ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe Omega Nebula?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 21m · −16° 11′
- Type
- star-forming region
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 7.0ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 46×37′
- Designation
- M17 · NGC 6618 · Omega 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° | 14° | 124° |
| +55° | 19° | 119° |
| +45° | 29° | 113° |
| +30° | 44° | 109° |
| 0° | 74° | 106° |
| −35° | 71° | 110° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:35 |
| February | 08:28 |
| March | 06:43 |
| April | 04:49 |
| May | 02:55 |
| June | 00:49 |
| July | 22:45 |
| August | 20:44 |
| September | 18:51 |
| October | 17:02 |
| November | 15:01 |
| December | 12:53 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.