Observer's guide
About Dumbbell Nebula
Dumbbell Nebula (M27) is catalogued as a planetary nebula in Vulpecula. Its J2000 position is RA 19:59:36.38, Dec +22:43:15.7, corresponding to 299.9015 degrees RA and 22.7212 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 1,250 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 6.7 by 6.7 arcminutes.
Observing tips
This is rated as an easy target at magnitude 7.4. It is associated with summer observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around July. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 60.7 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is PN. A published radial velocity value is -42 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 606 bibliographic references.
At roughly 6.7 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 6.7 by 6.7 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.