Deep sky · Planetary nebula in Vulpecula · M 27 · NGC 6853
M 27
Dumbbell Nebula
The Dumbbell Nebula, the first planetary nebula ever found — by Charles Messier, in 1764.
- Type
- Planetary nebula
- Designations
- M 27 · NGC 6853
- Constellation
- Vulpecula
- Apparent magnitude
- 7.4
- Apparent size
- 8′ × 6′
- Position (J2000)
- RA 20h 00m · Dec +22° 43′
Look for
It is bright enough for binoculars from a dark site: a small, grey, apple-core shape near the Coathanger.
Science
It is the shell of a dying Sun-like star, blown off about 10,000 years ago. This is roughly what the Sun will do in five billion years.