311 second exposure. Modified Canon Digital Rebel DSLR camera.
5" f/5 refractor at prime focus.
M16 is a large and relatively bright emission nebula in Serpens. The nickname, "Eagle Nebula" comes from the appearence of several dark patches of nebulosity silhouetted against the bright regions. Only a little imagination is required to picture an eagle flying along with prey in its talons. Unfortunately, this is not visible to the eye without a large telescope.
Imbedded within the nebula a bright open cluster. Some people believe that it was the open cluster to which Messier refered when compiling his catalogue. Hence they apply the designation of M16/NGC 6611 to the cluster, and designate the nebula as IC 4703. In general however, when most people refer to M16, they are refering to the nebula.
The open cluster to the upper right is Trumper 32.