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Credit & Copyright: The Electronic Universe Project, Karen Gloria
Explanation:
The Dumbbell Nebula is a beautiful red and blue planetary nebula in the
constellation of Vulpecula. It is the 27th object on
Charles Messier's
list of diffuse sky objects,
and so is referred to as M27.
Its high surface brightness makes it
a good target for small telescopes.
The term planetary nebula, used
to describe this general class of objects, is misleading.
Although these objects may appear round and
planet-like in small telescopes,
astronomers have determined them to be
stars surrounded by cocoons of gas blown off
in the late stages of evolution.
For more information on M27 see The Electronic Universe Project's write-up.
Many images of Messier objects can be found in The Electronic Universe Project's The Galaxy Gallery: Messier Objects.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: dumbbell nebula - M 27
Publications with words: dumbbell nebula - M 27
See also: