M76 (Little Dumbbell)

M76 is a wonderful nebula to observe visually through the 20" telescope on a dark night. It displays two distinct features - the bright inner rectangle and very dim outer loops. Like most nebulae of this type, these loops of material (the rectangular part is a torus viewed edgewise) are cast off by the death of star of average mass. Stars more massive would actually explode. This process is much more non-violent and results in the convoluted bubbles shown here. The distance to M76 is uncertain, but most sources place it between 3000-5000 lightyears away. This would make the bubble of gas about a lightyear across. The full resolution image (click on image) best shows the very heart of the nebula where the central star resides. The image shows a double star - the top of which is distinctly blue. It is this hot star that is responsible for making the Little Dumbbell glow!

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