Lyra Ring Nebulae: M 57

 
 
The Ring Nebula in Lyra is one of the most unusual objects in the sky, looking much like a ghostly smoke ring. This is perhaps the best known example of the "planetary" variety which exhibit a rounded form. M57 is easily visible in even the smaller telescopes, but its 15.4 magnitude central star would require a 12 inch instruments or larger. The nebula is said to be expanding at a rate of about 12 miles per second, and about 20,000 years old.

Photographic Data:

Telescope:            Celestron 14" SCT
Focal Ratio:          f/11
Focal Length:        3910mm
Film Speed:           ISO 1000
Exposure Time:    15 min
Date:                     UTC
Time:                     UTC

Location Data:

Latitude:                 37° 33'
Longitude:              120° 47'

Astronomical Data:

RA:                        18hr 54min
Decl:                      33° 01'
Altitude:                64° 17'
Azmuth:                 269° 18'
Type:                    Planetary Nebulae
Magnitude:          9.0