The Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Apple Core Nebula, Messier 27, M 27, or NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula in theconstellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1,360 light years.

This object was the first planetary nebula to be discovered; by Charles Messier in 1764. At its brightness of visual magnitude 7.5 and its diameter of about 8 arcminutes, it is easily visible in binoculars, and a popular observing target in amateur telescopes.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: GSO RC8
Imaging cameras: Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi / Kiss X2
Mounts: Sky-Watcher NEQ6
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Sky-Watcher 80/400
Guiding cameras: lacerta mgen2
Focal reducers: Teleskop-Service TS 2″ Flattener
Software: photoshop, PixInsight, Iris
Dates: June 23, 2012
Frames: 18×300″
Integration: 1.5 hours

Author:  Philippe Mingasson
AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI 27 July 2014