M27 Dumbell Nebula

DETAILS: Imaged with LX200 10" and STV with FR-237 reducer at f3.75. Processed, aligned and color combine MaxIm DL. [see other images]

COMMENTARY: M27 is a bright, well-defined, and popular imaging target in the Constellation Vulpecula. It is a planetary nebula resulting from the demise of a sun-like star through the various evolutionary stages to its present white dwarf status, puffing off its outer atmospheres and bombarding the gases and dusts with high-energy illuminating radiation, causing expanding shock waves. M27 is approximately 800-1000 light-years distant, about 2-3 light-years in diameter.