Dumbell Nebula
Messier-Catalog: M27
Constellation: Vulpecula - The Vixen


The Dumbell Nebula is another so-called planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, visible even through moderately sized telescopes.

In contrast to the round shape of the Helix Nebula shown in "Reinhard's Classics" gallery, this picture shows very well the bipolar shape which numerous planetary nebulae exhibit. Plenty of pictures were published showing planetaries with similar symmetry, like the "Ant Nebula" or the "Hour Glass Nebula". Have a look at the phenomenal Hubble space telescope pictures posted on the web!


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