M57 - The Ring Nebula in Lyra
Copyright 2003 John Hodge
M57 is a smoke ring...the gaseous remnants of the outer layers of a star blown off by a convulsion as it neared the end of its nuclear-burning life. This type of nebula is known as a "planetary nebula" because it could easily be mistaken by a casual observer as a planet due to its round shape and apparent size. The remaining core of the original star shines at magnitude 15 in the center of the complex and is a planet-sized white dwarf which was probably sun-like in size during its normal lifetime. It was discovered in 1800. M57 lies at a distance of approximately 2300 light years.
Date/Location:
April 26, 2003 Iwancio-Hodge Observatory
Bethune, SC
Instrument: SBIG ST-7 through 12" LX-200
Focal Ratio: f 3.3
Guiding: Auto via ST-7
Conditions: Visually clear, but with moderate high level water
vapor
Weather: 50 degrees F
Exposure: 1 x 5 minutes
Filters: None
Processing: