💫 M76 (Little Dumbbell Nebula)
Object data
| Type | Planetary nebula |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Perseus |
| Right ascension | 1h42m24.1s (25.6005°) |
| Declination | +51°34'31" (+51.5753°) |
| Magnitude | mag 10.1 |
| Apparent size | 2.7′ × 1.8′ |
| Other designations | NGC 650, NGC 651 |
A planetary nebula in Perseus, called the Little Dumbbell Nebula for its resemblance to M27.
Midnight transit date (best season to observe and image)
Location: Tokyo (change)
The date it transits around midnight (transit altitude about 74°)
For about 2–3 weeks either side of this date, the object stays high from evening to dawn — its observing season.
Best time to observe tonight
Tonight (Oct 10 evening – Oct 11 dawn) · Location: Tokyo (full darkness = end of astronomical dusk to start of dawn, altitude ≥ 15°)
Moon tonight: New moon (age 29.2 days, 0% illuminated) — Little moonlight — a good time for faint objects
Hours of full darkness (end of astronomical dusk to start of dawn) when it is above 15° — the darkest sky, mostly clear of buildings and trees.
Sunset 17:13 → Dusk 18:37 → Dawn 4:19 → Sunrise 5:43