M17, the Swan, Omega, or Horseshoe nebula in Sagittarius, one of the 
most prominent of the diffuse nebulae.  It was probably first noted by 
the Swiss astronomer de Cheseaux in the spring of 1764.  Unlike the 
Lagoon nebula, M8, M17 contains no conspicuous star cluster.  M17 lies 
at a distance of about 5700 light years, and the full extent of the 
fainter outer portions is about 40 light years.

The second, closer, view was taken with a barlow lens on the telescope, 
which magnifies the image 2 to 2.5 times, with a corresponding reduction 
in the field of view.

Object: M17 (NGC 6618)
Coordinates: Right Ascension 18hr 17.9m, Declination -16deg 12m
Constellation: Sagittarius
Size: 46 x 37 minutes of arc

Telescope focal length: 500mm
Telescope aperture: 80mm
Camera: Santa Barbara Instruments ST-6
Exposure: 300s (15 @ 20s), (Barlow view 200s (10 @ 20s) )
Observer(s): Dr. Greg Latta