Ring Nebula
4-8 inch Telescope • Planetary Nebulae Detailed
Image: ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, M. Barlow, N. Cox, R. Wesson
Finder map for Ring Nebula
One of the most famous and iconic deep-sky objects for amateur astronomers. It serves as a textbook example of a planetary nebula and is a frequent target for public outreach and a staple of astronomical imaging. Best viewed when high in the sky (above 40 degrees) to minimize atmospheric distortion and resolve detail. Appreciating the nebula’s small size and clean ring shape against the surrounding star field. Subtle features such as the faint outer halo, hints of color, and the extremely faint central star require large telescopes, high magnification, and excellent observing conditions, and lie beyond typical binocular views.
Finder scope & binocular view of Ring Nebula
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Common names | The Ring, Ring Nebula in Lyra |
| Catalog names | M 57, NGC 6720, PGC 3517795, PK 063+13.1, PN G063.1+13.9 |
| Type | Evolved Star |
| Subtype | Planetary Nebula |
| Coordinates | 18h 53m 35.10s, +33° 01’ 44.88” |
| Season | June - August |
| Best month | July |
| Beginner friendly | No |
| Visual reward | Moderate |
| Filters required | UHC, OIII |
| LP tolerance | Medium |
| Minimum equipment | Small telescope |
| Optimal equipment | Medium telescope |
| Magnitude | 8.8 |
| Size | 3.0 arcminutes x 2.4 arcminutes |
| Constellation | Lyra |
Observation Notes
Naked Eye
Not visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars
Detectable in 10×50 or larger binoculars as a very faint, star-like point. Its non-stellar nature is subtle, and it is difficult to identify without precise positioning or comparison charts.
Small Telescope
In a 3–5 inch telescope, appears at low power like a tiny, slightly bloated star. At moderate to higher magnifications (typically 80–120×), the nebula’s small, ghostly ring or “smoke-ring” shape becomes apparent under good seeing.
Medium Telescope
The classic ring structure is clearly defined, with a dark central hole. An O III filter dramatically increases contrast and makes the nebula stand out strongly from the background sky.
Large Telescope
Under excellent conditions, the very faint central star may be glimpsed with averted vision. The nebula shows increased internal texture, and subtle color impressions—often a bluish-green tone—may be noticed. The extremely faint outer halo can be detected by experienced observers under dark skies with patience.