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> Dumbell planetary nebula (M27) in Vulpecula

Dumbell planetary nebula (M27) in Vulpecula

author: J.Lodriguss/Novapix

reference: a-nep68-53001

Image Size 300 DPI: 14 * 9 cm

M27, The Dumbbell Nebula, is a planetary nebula located about 1,200 light years from the Earth in the constellation of Vulpecula. A planetary nebula is a shell of gas that has been shed from its parent star late in the star's life. The expanding shell of gas is excited to shine by the high-energy radiation emitted from the star, which eventually ends up as a white dwarf star. M27, discovered in 1764 by Charles Messier, was the first planetary nebula ever discovered.

Keywords for this photo:

2006 - ASTRONOMY - DUMBBELL - DWARF - EVOLUTION - M27 - NEBULA - NGC 6853 - PLANETARY NEBULA - STAR - VULPECULA - WHITE DWARF -