| Object type: | Planetary nebula |
|---|---|
| Distance from Earth: | 3,500 light years 1,100 parsecs |
| Distance across Nebula: | 8 arc minutes |
The Dumbbell Nebula is so named due to its resemblance to a dumbbell when seen through small telescopes. Planetary nebulae were named in the 18th century by Sir William Herschel who likened their telescopic appearance to that of the planets Uranus and Neptune.
m27a.gif