Have you ever seen stunning photographs of the night sky featuring what look like glowing clouds? These images depict nebulae. Today, we’ll explore what nebulae are, and when and how you might be able to see them with your own eyes.
A nebula (a Latin word for 'cloud' or 'mist') is a luminous region of interstellar space consisting of cosmic dust and ionised, neutral or molecular hydrogen, as well as other gases.
The Birthplace of the Stars
Nebulae are regions where new stars often form. In these regions, gas, dust and other materials clump together to form denser areas that attract more material. Eventually, these areas become dense enough to form a star. The remaining material then forms planets and other smaller celestial bodies.
Observing Nebulae
Most nebulae are enormous, spanning hundreds of light years. The Orion Nebula is one such nebula that can be seen from Earth with the naked eye by experienced observers. However, generally a telescope or good binoculars are needed to see nebulae. As the Orion Nebula is not currently visible—it can be observed from November through March—today we’re introducing another nebula that you’ll be able to see for yourself very soon.
Dumbbell Nebula
The Dumbbell Nebula is one of the best nebulae to observe in late spring and summer. Located over 1,200 light-years away in the constellation Vulpecula, it is an ideal target for astronomers. Discovered in 1764 by the renowned astronomer Charles Messier (hence its official name, Messier 27 or M27), it was the first planetary nebula to be identified. The term 'planetary nebula' can be misleading, as when viewed through smaller telescopes it appears round and greenish, much like distant giant planets. The Dumbbell Nebula was formed from the outer layers of an old, dying star and glows across a wide area. Therefore, as you can see, some nebulae are actually associated with the death of a star, rather than its birth.
From May through August, you can find the Dumbbell Nebula in the so-called Summer Triangle. In the Baltic region, look towards the south-west between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. and locate the three stars that form the triangle: Vega, Deneb and Altair. Then move down and slightly to the right of Deneb to reach the area of the Vulpecula constellation. The Dumbbell Nebula is located there. Through binoculars, you will see a faint oval patch; through a small telescope, you can make out the shape of the dumbbell; and through a larger telescope, its structure is clearly visible.
Choose a smart telescope, refractor or reflector telescope from our online store and explore the wonders of the night sky. Stay tuned—in this blog, we’ll be introducing you to nebulae visible during other seasons as well.
