Ring Nebula NGC6720 (M57)



Object Data
Description M57 is a distinct and easy to find planetary nebula. Its central white dwarf star is not visible in scopes smaller than 24 inches.
Constellation Lyra the Harp
Right Ascension 18h 53m 43s
Declination +33° 2' 1"
Magnitude 9.7
Angular size 1.2 arcminutes
Distance 500 parsecs (1,620 light years)
Radial Velocity -19.2 kilometers per second (approaching)
Image Data
Photographer Fred Lehman
Main Scope Meade 12" LX200 @ f/5.0 (1525mm)
Guide Scope Orion 120mm refractor @ f/3.75
Guide Camera SBIG STV
Imaging Camera Starlight Xpress MX7C
Resolution 752 x 580 @ 1.2 arcseconds per pixel
Exposure Eleven exposures of two minutes each. Aligned, stacked, and processed with AstroArt.
Date May 4, 2003
Location Area 51 in Big Cypress National Preserve in central South Florida.


StarFred Home Page