M27 - The Dumbbell Nebula

 

     The Dumbbell Nebula is a bright planetary nebula found near the southern part of the constellation Cygnus or the smaller constellation Vulpecula.  Well named for its shape, M27 is a great visual object in any telescope.  Planetary nebulas are sloughed off gas formations from aging stars and are named "planetary" due to their similar appearance to planets in small telescopes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Optics Camera Film Exposure Mount/Guiding Scanning Processing Location Date
10" SCT @ f7.5 Nikon F Provia 400F 2 x 60 min G11 with ST4 on GEG Minolta Scan Dual II Levels/Curves in PS; Registered & stacked in Registar Borrego Springs, CA 10/4/02

Comments: Fair seeing.  No wind.  Wonderful mild weather.  Very happy with guiding on the SCT this trip.