M27 The Dumbbell Nebula. This image shows the full extentions of this dying star. This is a planetary nebula, shells of gas cast off by a small star as it nears the end of its life. The gas glows as it is ionized by radiation from the newly exposed core of the star. As the material moves away and the central star cools, the nebula fades. Typically, planetary nebulae last a few thousand years. Despite the name, planetary nebulae are not related to planets; the name arose due to their planet-like appearance when viewed through early telescopes. M27 lies around 1200 light years away in the constellation Vulpecula. Captured in visible LRGB and H-Alpha Light. Captured at the Chumack Observatories in Yellow Springs, Ohio. 16' F4.5 Newt. and ST9 CCD for 30 minute exposure on 09/21/2006.