Astronomy Photo: Dumbbell Nebula
My Observation:
Taken: 27 April 2024 at 1:37AM EST
Equipment: Unistellar Equinox2
General Information:
- Messier Designation: M27
- Type: Planetary Nebula
- Distance from Earth: 1360 light years
The Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 27 (M27), is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Vulpecula, approximately 1,360 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the brightest and largest planetary nebulae visible in the night sky, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers. The nebula was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764 and is named for its distinctive dumbbell shape, characterized by a bright, elongated central region surrounded by a complex structure of gas and dust. The Dumbbell Nebula is the result of a star similar to the Sun expelling its outer layers into space at the end of its life, illuminating the surrounding gas to create the nebula’s vivid colors and intricate appearance. This celestial phenomenon offers insights into the life cycle of stars and the processes that shape the interstellar medium.
Additional Details from NASA:
Spitzer Space Telescope Image:
