The Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Apple Core Nebula, Messier 27, M 27, or NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1,360 light years. The Dumbbell Nebula appears to be shaped like an prolate spheroid and is viewed from our perspective along the plane of its equator.  The central star, a white dwarf, is estimated to have a radius which is 0.055 ± 0.02 R_☉ which gives it a size larger than any other known white dwarf. The central star mass was estimated in 1999 by Napiwotzki to be 0.56 ± 0.01 M_☉.
This object was the first planetary nebula to be discovered.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Meade SC 8″ LX-5
Imaging cameras: Nikon D5100
Mounts: Meade LX5
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Meade SC 8″ LX-5
Software: DeepSkyStacker, photoshop
Dates: July 29, 2012
Locations: Loowit Imaging Observatory
Frames: 30×50″
Integration: 0.4 hours

Author: Steve Rosenow

AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI
10 April 2014