The Eagle Nebula is a region of star formation located about 7,000 light-years away in the constellation Serpens. It is famous for its stunning pillars of gas and dust, known as the "Pillars of Creation," which are dense areas where new stars are born. The nebula is part of a larger molecular cloud, providing the necessary materials for star formation.
Discovered in 1745 by Jean Philippe de Cheseaux, the Eagle Nebula is a popular target for astronomers and astrophotographers. It is classified as an emission nebula, meaning it emits light due to the ionization of its gas by nearby young stars. The nebula is also part of the Milky Way galaxy.