M27, also known as the Dumbbell Nebula, is a planetary nebula situated in the constellation Vulpecula. This stunning celestial object is the result of a dying star's outer layers being expelled into space, forming a distinctive dumbbell shape. The central white dwarf star illuminates the surrounding gas, creating a breathtaking display of intricate structures and vivid colors. As one of the brightest planetary nebulae visible from Earth, M27 provides astronomers with a valuable opportunity to study the final stages of stellar evolution, shedding light on the destiny of stars like our Sun and the complex processes that shape the cosmos.

Image Description and Details : The Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Vulpecula at about 1227 light years. It was discovered by Charles Messier on 12 July 1764 and is the first observed planetary nebula in the history of astronomy. It is number 27 in his catalogue.

This object is particularly bright and has a very large apparent diameter, with the brightest part being 1/5 that of the Moon. With an expansion rate of 6.8 arcseconds per century, its age is estimated at 3 000 to 4 000 years.

The central star (the origin of the nebula) has an apparent magnitude of 13.5, which makes it difficult for an amateur astronomer to observe. It is a white dwarf with a very hot blue colour (85 000 K).

The peculiar shape of the luminous part of the nebula has earned it the name Dumbbell Nebula.

Looking at this nebula, we can see the end of our own solar system in 5 billion years.

Photo taken in South Portugal in Remote de France by the ARO team, from
04/08 to 28/09/22.
Set-Up: Astrosib RC 400 (F/D 8) on DDM 85 ASA mount. Camera Moravian G3 16200.
52 Hours in H,O,L,R,G,B

Copyright: Team ARO