Like its better-known namesake M27 (the Dumbbell Nebula), M76 is recognized as a planetary nebula - a gaseous shroud cast off by a dying sunlike star.

• 就像更为著名的哑铃星云M27一样，M76被认为是一个行星状星云-其气体外壳由一颗类似太阳一样濒临死亡的恒星吹出。