Light takes about 7,000 years to reach us from M16, which spans about 20 light years and can be seen with binoculars toward the constellation of the Serpent (Serpens).

• M16发出的光需要经过大约7,000年时间才能被我们看到，它覆盖大约20光年，在巨蛇座方向上，通过双筒望远镜就能看到它。