# Omega Nebula (M 17)

Omega Nebula (M 17) is an emission nebula in the constellation Sagittarius, magnitude 6.0, 11′ across.

One of the brightest nebulae in the sky: a glowing bar with a hook at one end, which gives it the Swan, Omega and Checkmark names. Striking even in small telescopes, it responds superbly to a UHC or OIII filter.

## When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around July, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in June). It can be seen from everywhere south of 74°N and never sets south of 74°S.

At its highest it stands 24° up from 50°N, 39° up from 35°N, 74° up from the equator, 71° up from 35°S.

## Facts

- Type: Emission nebula
- Constellation: Sagittarius
- Designations: M 17, NGC 6618, Checkmark Nebula, Lobster Nebula, Swan Nebula, Horseshoe Nebula
- Magnitude: 6.0
- Apparent size: 11′
- Position: RA 18h 20.8m, Dec −16° 10′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Omega Nebula (M 17) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view. https://astropilot.space/object/M17