M27, NGC 6853, Dumbbell Nebula

The Dumbbell Nebula, Messier object 27 (M27), NGC6853, in the constellation Vulpecula. This approximately true-color image has been stretched in dynamic range to reveal the fainter outer regions along with the more usual bright inner regions. It is interesting to compare this picture with an older true-color picture, and an emission-line image, and a deep near-infrared image. This image was taken in July 2000 at the Kitt Peak 2.1-meter telescope, during the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program operated at the Kitt Peak National Observatory and supported by the National Science Foundation.