description Owl Nebula (M97) Overview
Messier 97, commonly called the Owl Nebula, is a planetary nebula in Ursa Major discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781. It is a large, relatively faint object whose roughly circular shell contains two darker regions that inspired its owl-like name. The nebula consists of gas expelled by an evolved star, with a hot white dwarf near the center supplying the ultraviolet radiation that makes the surrounding material glow.
insights Ranking position
Owl Nebula (M97) ranks #449 of 630 in the Nebula ranking, behind Sharpless 2-126, ahead of Soap Bubble Nebula (PN G75.5+1.7).
help Owl Nebula (M97) FAQ
How good is Owl Nebula (M97)?
Owl Nebula (M97) scores 6.81/10 (Fair) on Lunoo, making it rated in the Nebula category.
What are the best alternatives to Owl Nebula (M97)?
See our alternatives page for Owl Nebula (M97) for a ranked list with scores. Top alternatives include: Dumbbell Nebula (M27), Owl Nebula, Jones-Emberson 1.
How does Owl Nebula (M97) compare to Dumbbell Nebula (M27)?
See our detailed comparison of Owl Nebula (M97) vs Dumbbell Nebula (M27) with scores, features, and an AI-powered verdict.
Is Owl Nebula (M97) worth it in 2026?
With a score of 6.81/10, Owl Nebula (M97) is a solid option in Nebula. See all Nebula ranked.
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