Which nebula is referred to as M57?

M57 is commonly known as the Ring Nebula, which is a prominent astronomical object located in the constellation Lyra. It is a planetary nebula that features a bright central star surrounded by a ring of ionized gas that has been expelled from the star as it transitions from the red giant phase to a white dwarf. The nebula's appearance is quite distinctive, characterized by its ring-like structure, making it one of the most observed planetary nebulae in the night sky.

The designation "M57" comes from the Messier catalog, which is a collection of astronomical objects compiled by the French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century. The Ring Nebula is particularly famous not only for its appearance but also for being relatively close to Earth, making it a favorite target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. Understanding its structure helps scientists learn more about stellar evolution, particularly the life cycle of medium-sized stars.