Planetary nebula · Perseus

M76 Little Dumbbell Nebula

Also known as: NGC 650, NGC 651

mag 11.52′ across

About

M76, the Little Dumbbell Nebula, is a planetary nebula of magnitude 11.5 in Perseus, about 2′ across.

M76 is in the constellation Perseus.
Best evenings: around early December it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from north of 28° S.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesNot visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars (10×50)Too faint for binoculars.
Telescope (6–8 inch)A faint round glow — a UHC or OIII filter makes it much easier.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	M76, NGC 650, NGC 651, PN G130.9-10.5
Type	Planetary nebula
Magnitude	11.5The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	2′the full Moon is 31′ across
Surface brightness	≈ 21.6 mag/arcsec²Estimate from the magnitude and size, per square arcsecond.
Constellation	Perseus
Right ascension (J2000)	01h 42m 19.7s
Declination (J2000)	+51° 34′ 32″