Messier 57 also known as the Ring Nebula is a planetary nebula in the constellation Lyra.
This type of nebula is formed when a shell of ionized gas in expelled by a red giant star when it is passing through the final stage in becoming a white dwarf.
The nebula was discovered by French astronomer Charles Messier in January 1779.
The nebula lies at a distance of 2300 light-years and is an easy target in a moderately sized telescope.
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Object info
| Name | M57 – The Ring Nebula |
| Type | Planetary nebula |
| Constellation | Lyra |
| Right ascension | 18h 53m 35s |
| Declination | +33° 01′ 45″ |
| Distance | 2.300 ly |
| Other designations | NGC 6720 |
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