M27: The Dumbbell Nebula
Explanation:
The first hint of what will become of our
Sun was discovered inadvertently
in 1764.
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.
M27 is one of the brightest
planetary nebulae on the
sky,
and can be seen in the
constellation
Vulpecula with
binoculars.
It takes light about 1000 years to reach us from M27,
shown above in
representative colors.
Understanding the physics and significance of
M27 was well
beyond 18th century science.
Even today, many things remain mysterious about
bipolar planetary nebula like
M27, including the physical mechanism that expels a
low-mass star's gaseous outer-envelope, leaving an
X-ray hot
white
dwarf.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
