Eagle Nebula : NGC 2264 - Star Incubator in Gas and Dust Pillars

A detail of the Eagle Nebula (M16) showing a portion of a pillar of gas and dust. Light from nearby bright, hot, young stars is sculpting the cloud into intricate forms and causing the gas to glow.

The Eagle Nebula is a cousin of the Cone Nebula pillars. Monstrous pillars of cold gas, like Eagle Nebula and the Cone Nebula, are common in large regions of star birth.

Image : NASA ESA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)