What does this number measure?
A region where gas and dust give birth to stars. The Eagle Nebula contains the famous Pillars of Creation. These are only part of the nebula; the compared dimension concerns a larger region.
Compare the stated dimensions
The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.
Source and limitations
Catalogue order of magnitude; a source is provided, but this measurement has not been individually audited.
Eagle Nebula: interpreted illustration of the cloud and its pillars; emission colours, composition and boundaries are approximate.