M27: Not A Comet . ... Credit Copyright: FORS Team , 8.2-meter VLT , ESO Explanation: While searching the skies above 18th century France for comets, astronomer Charles Messier diligently recorded this object as number 27 on his list of things which are definitely not comets . ... Messier 27 (M27) is now known to be an excellent example of a gaseous emission nebula created as a sun-like star runs out of nuclear fuel in its core. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...