M27, the Dumbbell Nebula, is a large bright planetary nebula in Vulpecula. It shows far more structure than nearby M57 but is a bit more challenging to locate. I begin the star hop at 3.5 magnitude Gamma (12) Sagittae. Sagitta is a small constellation tucked neatly between Cygnus and Aquila. As the name suggests, this grouping resembles an arrow. Gamma Sagittae is near the arrow tip and M27 is just 3.2 degrees due north.
| Summer Sky Tour: M27-The Dumbbell Nebula (Vulpecula) RA: 19h 59.6m / DEC: +22° 43'.3 |
|
|
Home | About Cosmic Voyage | Getting Started | Deep-sky Observing | Planetary Observing | Astrophotography | Sketching | Glossary | Web Links
URL: http://www.cosmicvoyage.net
Layout, design & revisions © W. D. Ferris
Comments and Suggestions: wdferris1@gmail.com
Revised: February 10, 2002 [WDF]
M27's hourglass shape is easily recognized at 165X in my 10-inch Newtonian, as is the 13th magnitude central star. The hourglass section is roughly 6'x4' running northeast to southwest. Subtle lobes of nebulosity can be seen under the best observing conditions. These lobes are aligned perpendicular to the hourglass shape and extend about 6' in each direction from the central star. The Dumbbell nebula is an excellent candidate for light pollution reduction filters. A UHC, OIII or equivalent filter will substantially improve the view.