The Eagle Nebula (M16) is a region of active star formation around 7,000 light years away in the constellation Serpens, close to the borders to Scutum and Sagittarius.
The starforming nebula, a giant cloud of interstellar gas and dust, has created a cluster of young stars. The cluster is also referred to as NGC 6611, the nebula as IC 4703.
Numerous Bok globules (dark spots) can be seen. These are dense clouds of dust and gas, typically found in HII regions, in which stars are formed.