Messier Object 17 or the Omega Nebula is one of the larger star-forming areas in our galaxy. It was first discovered in 1745 by Jean-Philippe Loys de Chéseaux, but did not gain much recognition until being re-discovered by Charles Messier in 1764. It is around 5,000 to 6,000 light years away from Earth, has a spread of 15 light years, and has a mass of about 800 solar masses. With great viewing conditions it can even be seen with the naked eye.

Composite Image of the Omega Nebula

So why does this all matter? Today in class we had to make a colored image of a space object of our choice. I chose M17, as you can see in the image above (colored by yours truly). First we chose a nebula or other object in space from the list on this site and then followed the directions here to make a composite image. Next we downloaded three image versions of the object we chose. Each version was captured through a different light filter, meaning that it captured that wavelength of light specifically, but the three images were all still only in black and white. Next we used a tool called FITS Liberator, provided on the site, to open each image and adjust the contrast so all of the features of the nebula were visible. To make a more colorful representation of what the nebula looks like I took all three pictures and layered them in Photoshop. Then we colored each wavelength of light red green or blue, starting with blue as the smallest wavelength and ending with red.

Resources:

“Messier 17.” Messier Object 17. N.p., 17 Aug. 2007. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.

“Galaxy Map.” Eagle and Omega. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.

http://www.spacetelescope.org/projects/fits_liberator/