An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

One of the brightest planetary nebulae; it lies in the constellation
→ Vulpecula at a distance of about 1000 light-years. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764.

Etymology (EN): Dumbbell “a short bar with weights at each end that is used for exercise,” from dumb + bell.
When viewed in a small telescope, the brighter portion of the nebula shows like a bipolar geometry, hence the name; → nebula.

Etymology (PE): Dambel loanword from dumbbell, as above; → nebula.