Nebula
Dumbbell Nebula
Planetary nebula · M27 · NGC 6853
Planetary nebula in Vulpecula
Photo: ESO · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1360 light-years. It was the first such nebula to be discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764. At its brightness of visual magnitude 7.5 and diameter of about 8 arcminutes, it is easily visible in binoculars and is a popular observing target in amateur telescopes.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~1,150–1,520 light-years
Apparent mag.
+7.4
Apparent size
8.0′ × 5.6′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
M27 · NGC 6853
Did you know
- Listed as Messier 27 in the Messier catalogue, also known as NGC 6853.
- Found in the constellation Vulpecula.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
