The Dumbbell Nebula, also known as M27 or Messier 27, is a prominent planetary nebula located in the constellation Vulpecula, about 1,360 light-years from Earth. Discovered by Charles Messier in 1764, it was the first planetary nebula ever identified. M27 spans approximately 2.5 light-years across and is shaped somewhat like a dumbbell or apple core, with vibrant hues of red and green due to ionized gases, primarily oxygen and hydrogen. This nebula represents the remnants of a dying star that expelled its outer layers, leaving behind a hot, dense white dwarf at its center. Visible through small telescopes, M27 is a popular target for amateur astronomers due to its brightness and unique shape.
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