M76
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M76 |
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Deep Sky Object Chart | Alpha Persei (Mirfak) | Beta Persei (Algol) | More Perseus Stars | M34 | M76 | Double Cluster | NGC 1245 | NGC 1275 | NGC 1499 M76 is an example of a "planetary" nebula, like the more famous Dumbbell Nebula in Vulpecula (a summer object). While these objects are no true relation to planets (their name is a reference to their visual resemblance to Uranus in a telescope), M76 bears a more familial connection with the Dumbbell; they are genuine cousins, and enough alike that the more remote and therefore apparently smaller M76 is known as the "Little Dumbbell". A gas shell ejected by a dying star, the "little" dumbbell is actually anything but little - it may be as far across as 1 light year, vastly larger than our solar system. The distance is not well known but may be an impressive 3400 light years.
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