... M57: The Ring Nebula . ... Now known as M57 or NGC 6720, the gas cloud became popularly known as the Ring Nebula. ... Pictured is of one of the closest star forming regions, part of the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex some 400 light-years distant near the southern edge of the pronounceable constellation Ophiuchus. ... Ring Nebula Deep Field . ... A familiar sight to sky enthusiasts with even a small telescope, the Ring Nebula (M57) is some 2,000 light-years away in the musical constellation Lyra. ...