Little Dumbbell Nebula
planetary nebula · Perseus · 11.5ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — planetary nebula in Perseus.
Notable facts
About 1/16 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Little Dumbbell Nebula in?
Little Dumbbell Nebula lies in Perseus.
Is Little Dumbbell Nebula visible to the naked eye?
11.5ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe Little Dumbbell Nebula?
Best observed in October.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 1h 42m · +51° 34′
- Type
- planetary nebula
- Constellation
- Perseus
- How to observe
- 11.5ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 2×1′
- Designation
- M76 · NGC 650/1 · Little Dumbbell Nebula
Observing tip
A telescope is required; 100× or more plus an OIII filter noticeably boosts the contrast.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 82° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 87° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 83° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 68° | 25° |
| 0° | 38° | 38° |
| −35° | 3° | 17° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 17:57 |
| February | 15:50 |
| March | 14:04 |
| April | 12:11 |
| May | 10:17 |
| June | 08:10 |
| July | 06:07 |
| August | 04:06 |
| September | 02:12 |
| October | 00:24 |
| November | 22:23 |
| December | 20:14 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.