M27: The Dumbell Nebula

Like the others of its type, M27 is a bubble of gas that has been ejected by a star at the end if its life. The core of the star still remains in the center (the slightly blue-ish star in the center above the small triangle of white stars) and makes this gas bubble glow. In fact the light emitted by the gas (in the visible wavelengths) is brighter than the central star. How can this be? Most of the light emitted by the central star is in shorter (more energy) wavelengths, such as Ultraviolet, and it is only through the emission of light by the surrounding gas that we see the bubble. M27 is estimated to be 3,500 years old and perhaps 1,000 light years away. As viewed in a small telescope or under city skies the brighter portion of this nebula looks like a half-eaten apple (core), hence the name. From Kitt Peak (and certainly in this image) the full bubble of gas is easily seen in the nebula.

This image was taken as part of Advanced Observing Program (AOP) program at Kitt Peak Visitor Center during 2014.