Messier Object 27, The Dumbbell Nebula

Messier Object 27, M 27

The Dumbbell Nebula

Image Information
Date Imaged
Location Imaged From	Tierra del Sol, CA
Equipment	Telescope: 8" LX200 Camera: SBIG 237-A Focal Ratio: f/10
Exposure Information	Unguided 1 minute X 30
The Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Messier 27, M 27, or NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula (PN) in the Vulpecula constellation, at a distance of about 1360 light years. This object was the first planetary nebula to be discovered; by Charles Messier in 1764. At its brightness of visual magnitude 7.5 and its diameter of about 8 arcminutes, it is easily visible in binoculars, and a great observing target in amateur telescopes.