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Dumbbell Nebula

Apple Core Nebula, Diabolo Nebula, M27, NGC 6853, PK 60-3.1

Planetary Nebula in Vulpecula

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Proper Names	Apple Core Nebula, Diabolo Nebula, Dumbbell Nebula
Messier Number	M27
NGC/IC Number	NGC 6853
Constellation	Vulpecula
Right Ascension	19h 59m 36s
Declination	+22° 43' 16"
Distance	c.1,040 light years c.320 parsecs
Magnitude	+7.6
Mean Diameter	Apparent: c. 8' x 6' Actual: c.1 light year
Optimum Visibility	August
Notes	In 1764, the Dumbbell became the first planetary nebula to be discovered. The dumbbell shape is due to expanding layers of gas thrown off from its central star (an unusually massive white dwarf) some ten thousand years ago.

A well-known planetary nebula in Vulpecula, near that constellation's border with Sagitta. The Dumbbell Nebula is an expanding 'bubble' of gas and dust cast off by a dying star; details of its structure give it its characteristic 'dumbbell' shape.

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