The Dumbbell Nebula in Hydrogen and Oxygen . ... At that time, Charles Messier was compiling a list of "annoying" diffuse objects not to be confused with "interesting" comets. The 27th object on Messier's list , now known as M27 or the Dumbbell Nebula, is a planetary nebula, the type of nebula our Sun will produce when nuclear fusion stops in its core. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ... A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC . ...