The Dumbbell Nebula

Messier 27 is a planetary nebula in Vulpecula. It was in fact the first of its type to be discovered, by Mr Messier in 1764.

Towards the end of their life some stars expel their outer layers to form highly ionised structures that we call planetary nebulae. This is what happend some 10,000 or so years ago to form M27, about 1,200 light years from Earth.

Image Data: HaRGB
Focal Length 1500mm
Focal Ratio f10
Exposure 2hrs 51mins

Worldwide Telescope Link