NGC6853 (M27) Planetary Nebula

46. NGC6853 (M27) Planetary Nebula
The appearance of the Dumbbell nebula changes dramatically with telescope aperture and magnification. Few people draw this planetary the same way; Admiral Smyth saw two ovals in contact, while John Mallas sketched a rough rectangle. Since the Dumbbell is so readily visible, many amateurs forget to use averted vision to improve the view markedly.