The star cluster M16 and its surrounding nebula, the Eagle or Star Queen Nebula (in the lower half of the above image), are situated some 7.000 light years distant in the constellation Serpens, and in the next inner spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy. The open cluster has formed from the diffuse Eagle Nebula IC 4703, which is now caused to shine by emission light, excited by the high-energy radiation of the cluster's massive hot, young stars. It is actually still in the process of forming new stars, this formation is taking place near the dark gas pillars which can be seen in this picture as lanes at the very center of the nebula.

NGC 6604 is the large but not very condensed galactic star cluster in the upper half of the image. It is surrounded by the for the most part faint red glow of an emission nebula which is designated Sh2-54 (Sharpless 54) and spread over a large area.

Milkyway in Sagittarius, telelens photograph.