NGC 6518 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Sagittarius. It is approximately 5,000 light-years away from Earth and is known for its bright, colorful appearance, which is a result of ionized gases emitted by a dying star at its center. The nebula is often referred to as the "Dumbbell Nebula" due to its shape, which resembles a dumbbell or hourglass. NGC 6518 is part of a larger group of nebulae that showcase the final stages of stellar evolution, where stars expel their outer layers, creating stunning visual displays in the night sky.