Exquisite Swan

This is my sketch for M17(NGC 6618) , also known as Omega Nebula or, more descriptive, Swan Nebula.

This emission nebula is probably, after Orion one, the one that offers more detail and structures to the eye of a northern observer. This was not the best sight I have got from this faint structure, but I did my sketch anyway, for the star party AstroBonilla 2010.

It was rendered in Bonilla, Cuenca, Spain, 2010/078/10 00:30 UT using graphite bars on white paper. Then scanned, inverted and a bit of levels balance. The telescope was a 10′ newton in dobson mount, with a Baader Hyperion 17mm eyepiece (75x 55′ FOV) and a UHC filter.

More details about the drawing, the nebula, and link to the original raw drawing in my blog (in spanish) at http://qfwfqestuvoalli.wordpress.com/2010/07/15/m-17-nebulosa-del-cisne/

Jorge Arranz