✨ M27 - The Dumbbell Nebula ✨
Sun Jul 19 2026
M27 is in the constellation of Vulpecula (the Fox) and is another planetary nebula. It is about 1200 light years away from Earth and is between 9000-14000 years old. This was another work in progress I had but I’m calling it done since my mount died. 🪦
About this object
- Type
- Planetary Nebula
- Constellation
- Vulpecula (the Fox)
- Distance
- ~1,360 light-years
- Apparent magnitude
- 7.4
- Apparent size
- 6.7′
- Also known as
- Apple Core Nebula
- Catalogue designations
- M 27, NGC 6853
The Dumbbell Nebula (M27) was the first planetary nebula ever discovered, spotted by Charles Messier in 1764. It marks the death of a Sun-like star that has cast off its outer layers of gas, now glowing as they are lit by the exposed, ultra-hot stellar core at the centre. It is one of the brightest planetary nebulae in the sky and a favourite summer target.
Acquisition
- Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm: 25 × 3m (1h 15m)
- Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 36 mm: 94 × 3m (4h 42m)
- Total integration: 5h 57m
Equipment
- Telescope / Lens: Celestron C8
- Camera: ZWO ASI2600MM Pro
- Mount: Celestron CGEM II
- Filters: Antlia 3nm Narrowband H-alpha 36 mm, Antlia 3nm Narrowband Oxygen III 36 mm
- Guiding scope: SVBony SV106 60mm Guide Scope
- Guiding camera: ZWO ASI174MM Mini
- Accessories: Celestron 0.63X SCT Reducer (94175), ZWO EFW 7 x 36mm
- Software: Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight
Astrophotography by David Joyce, AstroDavido.