Messier Number: M17
NGC Number: NGC 6618
Common Name: Omega, Horseshoe or Lobster Nebula
Object Type: Open cluster in a diffuse nebula
Distance in Light Years: 5,000
Constellation: Sagittarius
Apparent Magnitude: 6.0
M17 can be observed with the naked eye under good conditions. The stars born within this nebula are, however, obscured within the nebulosity.
