M57 · planetary nebula

Ring Nebula

The Ring Nebula is a planetary nebula in the northern constellation of Lyra, about mid-way between the prominent stars Beta and Gamma Lyrae.

RA18h 53m 35sDec+33° 01' 42"

Image: NASA ESA CSA STScI. Source: STSCI via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M57
All designations: M57 · NGC 6720 · Ring Nebula
Object type: Planetary Nebula
Constellation: Lyra
Best viewing: Summer

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 18h 53m 35s
Declination (J2000): +33° 01' 42"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

The Ring Nebula is a planetary nebula in the northern constellation of Lyra, about mid-way between the prominent stars Beta and Gamma Lyrae. It is also catalogued as Messier 57, M57 and NGC 6720. The nebula was discovered by Charles Messier in 1779. It has an apparent visual magnitude of 8.8, which is too faint to be visible with the naked eye, but it can be readily observed with a small telescope.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0