Messier 27 - The Dumbell Nebula (Indy Backyard Astro)

Messier 27 - The Dumbell Nebula

Messier 27, also known as the Dumbbell Nebula, is a breathtaking celestial object located in the constellation Vulpecula. As one of the brightest planetary nebulae in the night sky, it captivates astronomers and stargazers alike with its striking beauty.Approximately 1,200 light-years away from Earth, Messier 27 was formed from the outer layers of a dying star. It began its transformation around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago when the central star expelled its outer shell. The resulting nebula is now composed of ionized gas and glowing dust, illuminated by the dying star at its core. Its distinct shape resembles that of a dumbbell, consisting of two lobes connected by a central bar.Spanning an impressive size of about two-thirds the apparent size of a full moon, Messier 27 is easily visible with binoculars or small telescopes. Its radiant colors, including shades of blue, green, and red, are best observed using a narrowband filter that isolates specific emissions. The central star, with a magnitude of approximately 13.5, can be challenging to detect due to its high contrast against the nebula's luminosity.The study of Messier 27 provides valuable insights into the late stages of stellar evolution. Astronomers analyze its composition, structure, and kinematics to understand the processes involved in planetary nebula formation. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to investigate the chemical enrichment of the universe, as planetary nebulae are responsible for dispersing heavy elements into the interstellar medium, contributing to future star and planet formation.Messier 27, the Dumbbell Nebula, stands as a mesmerizing testament to the wonders of the cosmos. Its alluring shape, vibrant colors, and scientific significance make it a celestial gem that continues to captivate and inspire astronomers as they unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Messier Catalog

	Distinct awarded users	Total awarded images
Image of the day
Top picks
Top pick nominations

	Image of the day	Top pick	Top pick nominations	Total submitted
Deep sky
Solar system
Extremely wide field
Star trails
Northern lights
Noctilucent clouds
Landscape

	Image of the day	Top pick	Top pick nominations	Total submitted
Backyard
Traveller
Own remote observatory
Amateur hosting facility
Public amaeteur data
Professional, scientific grade data
Mix of multiple sources
Other
Unknown

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Status	Advanced success
Started	...
Astrometry.net job	7903908
PixInsight job	UYYD9HPRFUJL5612NTPPTV7ED0FJ98WA
PixInsight queue size	n/a
PixInsight stage	TASK_LOG

RA (center)	19h59m36s.238
RA (top/left)	20h00m12s.654
RA (top/right)	20h00m36s.728
RA (bottom/right)	19h58m59s.999
RA (bottom/left)	19h58m35s.883

Dec (center)	+22°43′31″.29
Dec (top/left)	+22°26′04″.67
Dec (top/right)	+22°56′57″.45
Dec (bottom/right)	+23°00′56″.94
Dec (bottom/left)	+22°30′03″.80

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