                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                                2026 June 10
   Gas, dust, and stars are scattered across the image. A dark silhouette
   that looks like an eagle swoops downward towards three small pillars of
        gas. Other gas and dust pillar-like features reach out of the
    surrounding nebula. A central cluster of stars sits beneath the eagle
                                 silhouette.

                        The Eagle Nebula and Friends
                Image Credit & Copyright: Emmanuel Delgadillo
         Text: Keighley Rockcliffe (NASA GSFC, UMBC CSST, CRESST II)

   Explanation: What looks as if it is going to swallow the great Pillars
   of Creation? 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.

                   Tomorrow's picture: mermaids in space!
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
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