Swan Nebula

The Swan Nebula, also known as the Omega Nebula, Horseshoe Nebula, Checkmark, or Lobster Nebula.  It is in the constellation Sagittarius.  It was discovered in 1745.  It is located in the rich starfield of the Milky Way Galaxy.  It is betweent 5,000 to 6,000 light years from Earth.  It's one of the brightest star formations in our galaxy.  This image has part of the nebula missing becuase of it's huge size.  This image, taken at F/7 with a QHY8 color CCD shows the large amount of gas that resembles a "Swan" sitting on a lake.