M76: Planetary Nebula in Perseo - "the Little Dumbbell Nebula"

M76: Planetary Nebula in Perseo - "the Little Dumbbell Nebula" LRGB composition of the planetary nebula M76 in Perseo, also known as "The Little Dumbbell Nebula" because of its resemblance to M27 "The Dumbbell Nebula" in Vulpecula

Noticeable facts:
* The distances from the earth of M76 is estimated to be about 2,500 light-years, so its dimensions are about 1.2 light years
* The central star of M76 has a surface temperature of about 88,400 °K
* Due to its structure caused by the explosion, the nebula is classed as a "bipolar" planetary nebula.
* The bright red star on the top of the image is the giant red star HD10494 of mag. 6.672
* North is at about 2 o'clock
* Several little galaxies on the background

Technical data:
RC-14” F/8,4
SBIG STX 16803
LRGB Filters Baader LRGB
Mount: Gemini Telescope Design - MOFOD Fork Mount
L-R:G:B 285-60:45:60 (minutes)
SQM: 21.1-21.2 Seeing: 2.1"-2.5"

Authors:
Acquisition: F. Antonucci - M. Angelini - F. Tagliani
Image Processing: Francesco Antonucci
Parco Astronomico del Brallo