Looks like I did this one in 2017 so it was time for another visit! About two hours of integration on this image with 240 second subs at ISO 800. Image is cropped in a bit as this is a smaller target. Worth the look at full resolution by clicking on the picture below. At a distance of about 1227 light years and a visual magnitude of 7.5 it is easily visible in binoculars, and a popular observing target in amateur telescopes.
From NASA:
“Spotted by Charles Messier in 1764, M27 was the first planetary nebula ever discovered. The term “planetary nebula” is a bit of a misnomer based on the nebula’s round, planet-like appearance when viewed through smaller telescopes. The nebula is the result of an old star that has shed its outer layers in a glowing display of color.”
