Object of the Season (Summer 2023)
Planetary Nebula M 57 in Lyra
M 57 is one of the most popular planetary nebulae. Located right between β and γ Lyr, it is an easy target.
The object, known as the Ring Nebula due to its spectacular appearance, was discovered by Charles Messier on 31 January 1779 and independently by Antoine Darquier in February.
- Name
- M 57
- Position (2000)
- 18 53 35.1 +33 01 45 (Lyr)
- Type
- PN
- Visual Magnitude x
- 8.8 mag (central star 14.8 mag)
- Size
- 1.4' (0.9 ly)
- Distance
- 2,300 ly
- Other Designations
- h 2023, GC 4447, PK 63+13.1
Results of the observations of M 57 will be published in DSO 193.
Wolfgang Steinicke - Nebulae and Clusters Section Director
