The Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Messier 27, M 27, or NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula (PN) in the constellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1,360 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.
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Wonderful sky watch shot…I was not familiar with the Dumbbell Nebula until this post so thanks for sharing.
Now that’s a different Skywatch! Thanks for joining us this week.