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Constellation Report

This weekend we move on to the constellation Vulpecula the Fox. 

Deep Sky Report

The focus of our efforts this week will be the deep sky objects of Vulpecula. Vulpecula is located between the constellations Cygnus and Sagitta. To find Vulpecula, simply face towards the south after dark and look overhead. Vulpecula is the constellation due south of the beautiful double star, Albireo in Cygnus.

To begin, let's check out one of my favorite deep sky objects - Planetary Nebula M27 - The Dumbbell Nebula(mag7.6). M27 is located about 3° due north of Gamma Sagitta. This large planetary nebula spans about 1/4° - roughly half the diameter of the full moon. Once you figure out it's location, M27 should be an easy target in anything larger that 10x50 binoculars. In larger aperture instruments, the Dumbbell is awesome. When I'm sweeping towards the Dumbbell, I am always startled as it explodes into view. M27 is believed to be about 815 light years away, making it one of the closer planetary nebulas. Astronomers estimate that around 48,000 years ago, the gaseous material which makes up the nebula was cast away from it's central star in several colossal events. The nebula is actually made up of two shells, each expanding at different rates.

This awesome shot was taken by former Utah Skies Astrophotographer of the Month, Al Kelly.

On a more modest note, this image taken by Don Brown of Utah Skies in May of 2003 show's what one can achieve with the combination of many short exposures. Fourteen 3-minute exposures were combined as taken through a 4" refractor using an STV digital astro camera.

We'll wrap up our journey through Vulpecula with a visit to this weeks Utah Skies Challenge Object, Open Star Cluster NGC6940(mag 6.4).  Located about 4.5° northeast of NGC6885, this rich open cluster is made up of roughly 100 stars to mag 9. NGC6940 has a diameter about the size of the full moon (31'), and is approximately 2600 light years away. 

Good Luck!