A Dumbbell and a Pac-Man
July 2/3. Despite the forecast it was clear until about 2am, giving time for a couple of interesting nebulae.
First up is the Dumbbell Nebula, aka M 27, NGC 6853, or the Apple Core Nebula. As always, click for a more detailed view:
In the constellation of Vulpecula (the Fox), this is a planetary nebula, like the Ring Nebula in Lyra. Despite their name, these have nothing to do with planets — they are so-called because their first discoverers (Herschel among them, in the 1780s) thought they looked more like planets than nebulae. They’re actually shells of dust and ionised gas thrown off by a red giant star when it implodes into a white dwarf. Lots more pictures here.
Details:
Target: M 27 (NGC 7853), Dumbbell Nebula, Apple Core Nebula.
Time: 2026-07-02 23:01..00:13
Equipment: Dwarf Mini, Duo-Band filter
Integration: 58mins (117×30secs, +3 failures), gain 90
Conditions: Clear, Bortle 6
Processing: PhotoDesk equalisation, gamma
Next we have the Pac-Man Nebula. Fairly obviously why:
Pac-Man is munching through the constellation of Cassiopeia, and is about 9,500 light years away (6,500 according to older sources). The hydrogen field is beng illuminated by the central star, which is actually a 4-element multiple system. More exposures might bring out some of the dark dust pillars which dot this nebula. More pictures here.
Details:
Target: NGC 281 (IC 11, Sh2-184), Pac-Man Nebula
Time: 2026-07-03 00:21..01:18
Equipment: Dwarf Mini, Duo-Band filter
Integration: 46mins (92×30secs, +4 failures), gain 90
Conditions: Clear, Bortle 6
Processing: PhotoDesk equalisation, gamma, balance
And so to bed…