The Eagle Nebula
(M16)
is not a bird, a plane, or
Superman.
M16 is actually a combination of several celestial objects.
NGC 6611
is the young star cluster that appears to peak out beneath the Eagle’s “wings”. The
ultraviolet
light from these stars
ionizes
the surrounding gas, creating the
emission nebula
IC 4703. The
Stellar Spire
is seen reaching towards the Pillars of Creation from the left. Both are structures of cold gas and
dust
that are optimal for
star formation.
Some astronomers previously thought the Pillars of Creation had been
evaporated away by a supernova.
Because M16 is 6,000
light years
away, we would not be able to see the Pillars’ destruction for thousands more years. However, there is no conclusive
evidence of the theorized supernova, so the Pillars of Creation will likely continue to create stars for
millions of years.