M27

Dumbbell Nebula

 

Object M27-- Planetary Nebula
Constellation Vulpecula
Date Aquired 10/26/2002
Camera ST-7E w/CFW-8 and AO-7
Exposure 9x5Min L, 5X5Min R (2x2), 5x5 Min Green (2x2), 5X8Min Blue (2x2)
Telescope Celestron 11" SCT @f/6
Mount Losmandy G11

 

This planetary nebula was the first one ever discovered; Charles Messier discovered it in 1764.  We see this nebula along the equatorial plane of the source star, with the axis of the star's rotation running roughly left to right.  If we were to look at this nebula from the direction of the poles, the nebula would probably be ring shaped, much like M57.  Like all planetary nebula, the distance to this nebula is not well known.  It is probably between 800 and 1200 light years away. 

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