M27 (Dumbbell Nebula) · Seestar S30 Pro · 2026-07-09
Messier 27, the Dumbbell Nebula (NGC 6853), is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, and holds the distinction of being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, found by Charles Messier in 1764.
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Messier 27, the Dumbbell Nebula (NGC 6853), is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, and holds the distinction of being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, found by Charles Messier in 1764. It lies at a distance of roughly 1,200-1,360 light-years and represents the glowing, ejected outer envelope of a dying, Sun-like star, now being lit up by the hot white dwarf remnant at its center. The nebula's two-lobed, hourglass shape gives it its common name. As one of the brightest and largest planetary nebulae in the sky, it is a rewarding target for both broadband and narrowband imaging: Hα and O III filters bring out the layered inner and outer shells and faint extended halo that surround the brighter central “dumbbell” structure.
