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.

Planetary Nebula M 57 in Lyra - Credit: The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScI/NASA)
Image credit: The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScI/NASA)
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