Object Analysis

The Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 27) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1,360 light-years. It was the first planetary nebula to be discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764. Its visual brightness and large diameter make it a top target for amateur observers.

The nebula gets its name from its distinctive dual-lobed shape, resembling a weight-lifting dumbbell or an apple core. This shape is caused by the ejection of material from the equatorial region of the dying central star, which is now a hot blueish-white dwarf.

It is expanding at a rate of roughly 31 kilometers per second. Detailed images show a complex system of knots and filaments in the outer regions, indicating a violent and erratic expulsion of the star's atmosphere.