Ring Nebula's iron bar

Astronomy & Observing News

The Ring Nebula Has an “Iron Bar” 

New observations reveal a strange structure in the iconic nebula that has evaded astronomers for centuries.

Ring Nebula at different wavelengths

Astronomy & Observing News

The Ring Nebula Is a Barrel, Not a Ring, 3D Data Show

New data has allowed a team of researchers to reconstruct a detailed view of a famous circle in the constellation Lyra.

Near-infrared image shows the Ring Nebula in yellow (central area) and purple (outer ring)

Astronomy & Observing News

Webb Views the Ring Nebula and Earendel in a New Light

This week, James Webb Space Telescope reveals new details in the Ring Nebula and shows that the most distant known star isn't alone. Meanwhile, patient astronomers have collected 17 years' worth of images of the super-Jupiter Beta Pictoris b.

M56 globular

Astronomy & Observing News

Summer Nights Offer Splendid Sights in Lyra

Lyra, the Lyre, offers a wonderful assortment of double stars and deep-sky objects to keep you up at night. Break out your binoculars and telescope and join me for a summertime ramble.

Ring Nebula

Observing

Evenings with the Ring Nebula

Everyone loves this cosmic donut. Like Saturn, the Ring Nebula is a must-see for beginners and seasoned amateurs alike. Whether you're just cutting your deep-sky teeth or attempting to see its central star — one of visual astronomy's Holy Grails — the Ring has it all.