top of page
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

FREE THINKING:
EXPLORE THE REALMS OF KNOWLEDGE

Dumbbell Nebula

The Dumbbell Nebula, also called the Apple Core Nebula or Messier 27, is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Vulpecula, roughly 1,360 light-years away. Discovered by Charles Messier in 1764, it shines at a visual magnitude of 7.5 and has a diameter of about 8 arcminutes, making it easily viewable with binoculars or amateur telescopes. Its shape resembles a prolate spheroid, seen along its equatorial plane. Studies suggest its age could be around 14,600 years, with an expansion velocity of 31 km/s leading to a kinematic age of about 9,800 years. The nebula features various knots in its central region, showcasing a mix of symmetric and irregular shapes, while the central star, a white dwarf, is notably larger than most others of its kind.

​

Equipment: Seestar S30

Software: Seestar App

Date: 03/07/2025

M27.jpg

© 2023 by Freethinking. All rights reserved.

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
bottom of page