M 17 and NGC 6618 open cluster

[elpajare]

In a small telescope, M 17 rivals the Orion Nebula (M 42) in splendor. The core of the nebula is a checkmark, the bar of which extends 12' ESE-WNW. The check projects SSW from the WNW end of the bar. Fainter nebulosity loops west from the check, enclosing a dark mass popularly called the Fish's Mouth. The involved cluster (NGC 6618) is poorly concentrated, its stars spread over a 25' area.

BRESSER AR102+ MALLINCAM AG1.2C+MallincamSky+ UV/IR filter. Moon at 55%

10x10" stack

[umasscrew39]

Looks great.....but get rid of the check mark!!!  It only causes a distraction from the great image you took

[elpajare]

haha.. the idea was to show the open cluster, not the nebula.

But you are right in your comment.

[roelb]

I saw a clustered nebula...