Dumbbell Nebula
Messier Object 27, the Dumbbell Nebula
The Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Messier Object 27, M27, or NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula in the Vulpecula constellation, at a distance of about 1250 light years.
This object was the first planetary to be discovered; by Charles Messier in 1764. At its brightness of visual magnitude 7.4 and its diameter of about 8 arcminutes, it is easily visible in binoculars, and a great observing target in amateur telescopes.
It is estimated that the Dumbbell Nebula is 3,000 to 4,000 years old.
Related topics
- List of messier objects
- List of planetary nebulae
- New General Catalogue
- Wikipedia Project: Astronomical Objects
External links
Categories: Messier objects | NGC objects | Planetary nebulae | Vulpecula constellation