Little Dumbbell Nebula (M 76)

Little Dumbbell Nebula (M 76) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Perseus, magnitude 10.1, 2.7′ × 1.8′ across.

A planetary nebula in Perseus that looks like a tiny version of M27, with two lobes; it is one of the fainter Messier objects, and an OIII filter helps.

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around November, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in October). It can be seen from everywhere north of 38°S and never sets north of 38°N.

At its highest it stands 88° up from 50°N, 73° up from 35°N, 38° up from the equator, 3° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Planetary nebula

Constellation

Perseus

Designations

M 76, NGC 650, NGC 651, Barbell Nebula, Cork Nebula

Magnitude

10.1

Apparent size

2.7′ × 1.8′

Position

RA 1h 42.3m, Dec +51° 35′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Little Dumbbell Nebula (M 76) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.