The Eagle Nebula is also an open cluster of about 50 new stars being created deep within this faint diffuse nebula. Most astrophotos show only the center portion, which appears like an Eagle in telescopic views. But with very long exposures you see just how large this nebula is.

The photos below are high resolution photographs of central regions in this nebula taken through the Hubble Space Telescope.

To find out where these photographs are on my image, explore my photo (left) with your mouse. Try to find them! If you need some help, move your mouse into the upper left corner of my image and the Hubble locations will be identified.

Often called "the Pillars of Creation", (above) this area shows huge plumes of gas and dust as stars are being born. The Eagle nebula truly is a "Stellar Nursery".

This billowing tower of cold gas and dust creates a stellar spire shooting 9.5 light years into the Eagle nebula.