Messier 27 (M 27)

Introduction | Map | Sketch | My Own Observations | My Own Photos | References

On this page I collect my observations of the planetary nebula M 27 in the constellation Vulpecula/Little Fox.

Introduction

The planetary nebula M 27 in the constellation Vulpecula/Little Fox is called Dumbbell Nebula because of its shape. According to Stoyan, it is considered as one of the most beautiful nebulae for telescope observers. Visually there was not much to see for me so far, except with the PS 72/432 in France under a darker sky (and in Betz with a bigger telescope), but photographically I was a bit more successful...

Size: 8' x 4' (Stoyan)
Distance: 1,200 light years (Stoyan)
Rating: ***** (Stoyan).

Map

M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula) in Vulpecula/Little Fox

Sketch

The sketch by Michael Vlasov (DeepSkyWatch.com) provides a rough impression of what I might have observed in Summer/Autumn 2016: Sketch of M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula) by Michael Vlasov (Copyright © Michael Vlasov 2016)

Note: I only have the author's permission to link to the sketch.

My Own Observations

Observations Summer to Autumn 2016

• Regrettably, I was just able to detect a glowing something, but nothing like a dumbbell. Location, observation date, and telescopes used are unknown/forgotten.

Observations September/October 2018

• September 17, 2018 (Sumène, France: PS 72/432, AZ Pronto Mount): M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula) seen quite well at different magnifications.
• October 5, 2018 (Betz, France: unknown telescope): M 27 seen large and beautifully.

My Own Photos

Atik Infinity & Heritage 100P (December 7, 2017)

With Barlow Lens (2 x)

M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula), unprocessed		Ditto, post-processed		Ditto, more "aggressively" post-processed

With Focal Extender (2 x)

M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula), unprocessed		Ditto, post-processed		Ditto, more "aggressively" post-processed

Atik Infinity & Explorer 150PDS (December 31, 2017)

M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula), unprocessed		Ditto, post-processed		Ditto, post-processed (16 bits)
M 27 (Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula), unprocessed		Ditto, post-processed		Ditto, post-processed (16 bits)

References

• Messier Catalogue - Messier 27: messier.seds.org/m/m027.html

On this Site

• Sky-Watcher Heritage P130 Information (5" Dobson)
• Sky-Watcher Heritage 100P Information (4" Dobson)
• GSO GSD 680 Information (8" Dobson)
• Sky-Watcher Skymax-102 OTA Information (4" Maksutov-Cassegrain)
• Omegon Photography Scope 72/432 ED OTA Information (2.8" Refractor)
• Sky-Watcher AZ Pronto Mount Information
• Sky-Watcher Star Discovery AZ GoTo Mount Information