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swap_horiz Abell 31 Alternatives

Looking for alternatives to Abell 31? Compare the top Nebula options ranked by our AI scoring system.

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Abell 31

Abell 31

Abell 31 is an ancient planetary nebula in Cancer, also cataloged as Sh2-290, whose very large, dim shell is dispersing into interstellar space.

7.0 Good

apps Top Abell 31 Alternatives

The top alternative to Abell 31 in 2026 is Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) with a score of 9.2/10, followed by Dumbbell Nebula (M27) (8.9) and NGC 7293 Helix (Sunflower Nebula) (8.9).

1
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)

The Helix Nebula, formally NGC 7293, is a large planetary nebula situated approximately 650 light-years from Earth withi...

Large Planetary Aquarius White Dwarf
9.2 Excellent
2
Dumbbell Nebula (M27)

Dumbbell Nebula (M27)

The Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 27) is a large planetary nebula formed from the ejected remains of a white dwarf star. Disc...

Large Planetary White Dwarf Messier
8.9 Great
3
NGC 7293 Helix (Sunflower Nebula)

NGC 7293 Helix (Sunflower Nebula)

The Helix Nebula, formally NGC 7293, is a large planetary nebula situated approximately 700 light-years from Earth withi...

Large Planetary Aquarius Cometary Knots
8.9 Great
4
Abell 33

Abell 33

Abell 33 is a planetary nebula located within the Hydra constellation. It’s notable for its distinct circular shape, res...

Planetary Hydra Annular Abell
8.5 Great
5
Abell 39

Abell 39

Abell 39 is a planetary nebula situated within the constellation of Hercules. It’s notable due to its remarkably symmetr...

Planetary Spherical Hercules Abell
8.3 Great
6
Ghost of Jupiter Nebula (NGC 3242)

Ghost of Jupiter Nebula (NGC 3242)

A planetary nebula in Hydra discovered by William Herschel in 1785, named for its similar apparent size to Jupiter and i...

Large Bright Planetary Hydra
8.1 Great
7
Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242)

Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242)

NGC 3242, known as the Ghost of Jupiter, is a planetary nebula in Hydra notable for its striking blue hue, discovered by...

Large Bright Planetary Hydra
7.7 Good
8
Medusa Nebula

Medusa Nebula

The Medusa Nebula is Abell 21 in Gemini, discovered by George O. Abell in 1955 and recognized as a large, old planetary...

Planetary Gemini Faint Abell
7.6 Good
9
Abell 21 (Medusa Nebula)

Abell 21 (Medusa Nebula)

Cataloged by George Abell in 1955, the Medusa Nebula is a massive planetary nebula in Gemini, distinguished by its vast,...

Large Planetary Gemini Faint
7.6 Good
10
Jones-Emberson 1

Jones-Emberson 1

Jones-Emberson 1 is the Headphone Nebula, a large faint planetary nebula in Lynx discovered in 1939 by Rebecca Jones and...

Large Planetary Lynx Faint
7.4 Good
11
Owl Nebula (M97)

Owl Nebula (M97)

A large, faint planetary nebula in Ursa Major discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781, named for two dark circular patches...

Large Planetary Messier Faint
7.4 Good
12
NGC 6781 (Snowglobe Nebula)

NGC 6781 (Snowglobe Nebula)

NGC 6781, known as the Snowglobe Nebula, is a planetary nebula in the constellation Aquila that was discovered by Willia...

Large Planetary Aquila Faint
7.4 Good
13
Abell 70

Abell 70

Abell 70 is a planetary nebula in Aquila, notable for a background galaxy that gives its ring a diamond-like appearance...

Ring Planetary Aquila Abell
7.3 Good
14
Robin's Egg Nebula (NGC 1360)

Robin's Egg Nebula (NGC 1360)

A large oval planetary nebula in Fornax about 978 light-years away, notable for its smooth elliptical shell and relative...

Large Planetary Faint Southern Sky
7.3 Good
15
Abell 36

Abell 36

Abell 36 is a faint barrel-shaped planetary nebula in Virgo, discovered by George O. Abell in 1955 and estimated to be a...

Planetary Faint Abell Virgo
6.9 Fair
16
Medusa Nebula (Abell 21)

Medusa Nebula (Abell 21)

A large, ancient planetary nebula in Gemini roughly 1,500 light-years away, originally misclassified as a supernova remn...

Old Large Planetary Gemini
6.9 Fair
17
Jones-Emberson 1 (Headphone Nebula)

Jones-Emberson 1 (Headphone Nebula)

Jones-Emberson 1, also known as the Headphone Nebula, is a faint planetary nebula in Lynx discovered by Rebecca Jones an...

Ring Large Planetary Lynx
6.5 Fair
18
Spare Tyre Nebula

Spare Tyre Nebula

The Spare Tyre Nebula (IC 5148/50) is a large, faint planetary nebula in Grus, about 3,000 light-years away and expandin...

Large Planetary Emission Ic
6.5 Fair
19
Sh2-71

Sh2-71

Sh2-71 is a striking planetary nebula in the constellation Aquila, distinguished by its complex, asymmetric morphology a...

Large Planetary Irregular Aquila
6.4 Fair
20
Abell 31 (Sh2-290)

Abell 31 (Sh2-290)

A large, extremely faint planetary nebula in Cancer catalogued by George Abell in 1966, considered one of the oldest and...

Old Large Planetary Cancer
5.5 Mediocre

summarize Quick Comparison Summary

Alternative Score vs Abell 31 Action
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)
Nebula Large Planetary Aquarius
9.2 Excellent +2.2 Compare
Dumbbell Nebula (M27)
Dumbbell Nebula (M27)
Nebula Large Planetary White Dwarf
8.9 Great +1.9 Compare
NGC 7293 Helix (Sunflower Nebula)
NGC 7293 Helix (Sunflower Nebula)
Nebula Large Planetary Aquarius
8.9 Great +1.9 Compare
Abell 33
Abell 33
Nebula Planetary Hydra Annular
8.5 Great +1.5 Compare
Abell 39
Abell 39
Nebula Planetary Spherical Hercules
8.3 Great +1.3 Compare
Ghost of Jupiter Nebula (NGC 3242)
Ghost of Jupiter Nebula (NGC 3242)
Nebula Large Bright Planetary
8.1 Great +1.1 Compare
Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242)
Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242)
Nebula Large Bright Planetary
7.7 Good +0.7 Compare
Medusa Nebula
Medusa Nebula
Nebula Planetary Gemini Faint
7.6 Good +0.6 Compare
Abell 21 (Medusa Nebula)
Abell 21 (Medusa Nebula)
Nebula Large Planetary Gemini
7.6 Good +0.6 Compare
Jones-Emberson 1
Jones-Emberson 1
Nebula Large Planetary Lynx
7.4 Good +0.4 Compare

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help Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best alternatives to Abell 31?
The top alternatives to Abell 31 in 2026 include Helix Nebula (NGC 7293), Dumbbell Nebula (M27), NGC 7293 Helix (Sunflower Nebula), Abell 33, Abell 39. Each offers unique features and is objectively scored on Lunoo to help you compare.
How does Abell 31 compare to its competitors?
Our AI-powered comparison system analyzes features, pricing, user reviews, and expert opinions to provide objective scores. Abell 31 scores 7.0/10. Click any alternative above to see a detailed side-by-side comparison.
Is Abell 31 worth it in 2026?
Abell 31 scores 7.0/10 in the Nebula category. We recommend comparing it with the 20 alternatives listed above to find the best fit for your needs.
What is the best free alternative to Abell 31?
Several alternatives to Abell 31 offer free plans or free tiers. Check the alternatives listed above and visit their websites to compare pricing and free options.
Why should I switch from Abell 31?
Common reasons users look for Abell 31 alternatives include pricing, specific feature gaps, better integration needs, or simply exploring newer options. Our objective scoring helps you compare without bias.
How many alternatives to Abell 31 are there?
Lunoo currently lists 20 scored alternatives to Abell 31 in the Nebula category, ranked by our AI-powered evaluation system.
Which Abell 31 alternative has the highest rating?
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) currently holds the highest rating among Abell 31 alternatives with a score of 9.2/10.
Can I use Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) instead of Abell 31?
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is one of the top-rated alternatives to Abell 31. While they serve similar purposes in the Nebula space, each has distinct strengths. Use our comparison tool above for a detailed side-by-side analysis.
What is the cheapest alternative to Abell 31?
Pricing varies among Abell 31 alternatives. We recommend checking each alternative's website for current pricing. Many options in the Nebula category offer free tiers or competitive pricing.
How are Abell 31 alternatives ranked on Lunoo?
Lunoo uses an AI-powered scoring system that analyzes category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, recency, and value to provide 0 to 10 scores. Rankings are updated continuously.
Abell 31 vs Helix Nebula (NGC 7293): which is better?
Abell 31 scores 7.0/10 while Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) scores 9.2/10 on Lunoo. The best choice depends on your specific needs. Use our detailed comparison tool for a full breakdown.
Abell 31 vs Dumbbell Nebula (M27): which is better?
Abell 31 scores 7.0/10 while Dumbbell Nebula (M27) scores 8.9/10 on Lunoo. The best choice depends on your specific needs. Use our detailed comparison tool for a full breakdown.
Abell 31 vs NGC 7293 Helix (Sunflower Nebula): which is better?
Abell 31 scores 7.0/10 while NGC 7293 Helix (Sunflower Nebula) scores 8.9/10 on Lunoo. The best choice depends on your specific needs. Use our detailed comparison tool for a full breakdown.

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