M27-Dumbbell Nebula

Dumbbell Nebula, M 27

Date: 8/18/14

Description:  The Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Apple Core Nebula, Messier 27, M 27, or NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1,360 light years.  This object was the first planetary nebula to be discovered; by Charles Messier in 1764. At its brightness of visual magnitude 7.5 and its diameter of about 8 arcminutes, it is easily visible in binoculars, and a popular observing target in amateur telescopes. [Ref: WikiPedia]

Sky Conditions: Clear sky, medium - urban light pollution, FWHM: 2.5 - 3.0 arc sec/pixel

Imaging: Exposure: 40 minutes (RGB, 6 x 400sec/ea.) at 2x2 bin using RGB filters

Guiding: 5 sec at 2x2 bin using NOAG

Equipment:
SBIG STF8300M CCD (RGB  filters)
AT12RC at F8
Starlight Focuser                                                                                                                                                                                        NOAG w/SBIG ST402 guide camera                                                                                                                                                        AP1200 Mount

SW:                                                                                                                                                                                                             Maxim DL V5, FocusMax, AP ASCOM V2, SkyX, PixIsight -  calibration with darks, flats,  bias.

© James Providakes 2014