Dumbbell Nebula (M27)

September 29 - 30, 2023 (Rochester, NY)

The Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 27 (M27), is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Vulpecula. It gets its name from its resemblance to a dumbbell or barbell shape. This nebula is the glowing remains of a sun-like star that has shed its outer layers into space. At its center lies a hot white dwarf star, which illuminates the surrounding gas and gives the nebula its characteristic glow. The Dumbbell Nebula is a popular target for amateur astronomers due to its brightness and distinctive appearance in telescopes, offering a glimpse into the future fate of our own Sun billions of years from now.