Messier 27, also known as the Dumbbell Nebula, is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Vulpecula. It was the first planetary nebula to be discovered, identified by Charles Messier in 1764. The nebula is approximately 1,600 light-years away from Earth and has a diameter of about 2.5 light-years. The bright, hourglass shape of Messier 27 is created by the outer layers of a dying star that have been expelled into space. The central star, a white dwarf, is responsible for the illumination of the surrounding gas and dust, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.