Ring Nebula (M 57)
Ring Nebula (M 57) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Lyra, magnitude 8.8, 1.4′ × 1.0′ across.
The classic smoke-ring planetary nebula, a shell of gas cast off by a dying star. Even a small telescope shows the oval ring between Beta and Gamma Lyrae; its faint central white dwarf is a test for large apertures.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around August, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in July). It can be seen from everywhere north of 57°S and never sets north of 57°N.
At its highest it stands 73° up from 50°N, 88° up from 35°N, 57° up from the equator, 22° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Planetary nebula
- Constellation
- Lyra
- Designations
- M 57, NGC 6720
- Magnitude
- 8.8
- Apparent size
- 1.4′ × 1.0′
- Position
- RA 18h 53.6m, Dec +33° 2′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Ring Nebula (M 57) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.