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The Star Queen Nebula is yet another fine example of an Emission Nebula. Emission Nebula are essentially stellar nurseries forming new stars. Hydrogen gas coalesces into newborn proto stars. The prominent red color that is characteristic of Emission Nebula is a result of the hydrogen gas being ionized. M16 is also known as "The Eagle Nebula". It is generally thought this namesake refers to the overall shape of the nebula. It resembles an eagle, wings outstretched, flying off to the upper right. To see "The Star Queen" just tilt your head about 10 degrees to the right, and study the shape of a dark knot of nebulosity in the center of the nebula. If your imaginative enough, you can see The Star Queen facing to the right, scepter outstretched in front of her, quietly ruling over her nebula complex and new born stars.
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