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.

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: Orion Optics UK SPX 250
Imaging cameras: Canon 20Da
Mounts: Vixen New Atlux + Skysensor 2000
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Orion Optics UK SPX 250
Guiding cameras: M-Gen Guiding Kamera
Focal reducers: GPU Komakorrektor
Software: Adobe Photoshop CS2, DSS, Fitswork
Accessories: Lacerta MGEN2, Lacerta OAG
Dates: Sept. 6, 2013
Locations: Kreben
Frames: 44×360″ ISO800
Integration: 4.4 hours
Darks: ~20
Flats: ~11

Author: Stefan Westphal
AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI 30 Aug 2014