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A delightful object embedded in the glowing mist of the Milky Way,
M17 is named for its resemblance to the Greek letter Ω.
Under clear and dark skies, M17 can just be seen with the naked eye.
In binoculars the nebula takes on an elongated shape.
A loose cluster of 30 plus members is dispersed throughout the nebula,
but is not as evident as the one within nearby M16.
Star formation is likely still taking place in this nebula.
Close observation will reveal a great amount of detail,
including the nebula's swan shaped cloud of nebulosity.
Can you see the swan?
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