NGC 6781 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Aquila.

It shines at magnitude 11.4 and has an apparent size of 1.9 arcminutes. At an estimated distance of 3,100 light-years this would correspond to a true size of 1.8 light-years in diameter in space.

The central star in NGC 6781 shines at magnitude 16.9.

NGC 6781 is similar in integrated magnitude and appearance to NGC 7048 in Cygnus, although it is almost twice as big. It is harder to detect, however, because it has a lower surface brightness because its light is spread out over a larger area.

NGC 6781 was discovered by William Herschel in 1788.

North is to the top in the above image.

NGC 6781 Catalogs: NGC 6781, PK 41-2.1 Object Type: Planetary Nebula Magnitude: 11.4v Size: 1.9' Constellation: Aquila Image Field Centered At: RA: 19h 18m 28s Dec: +06° 32' 20"