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Ghost of Jupiter

NGC 3242

PlanetaryNebula Hydra Mag 7.8

Dados do Objeto

Designação do Catálogo
C59
Tipo
PlanetaryNebula
Constelação
Hydra
Magnitude
7.8
Ascensão Reta
10h 24m 53.3s
Declinação
-18° 38' 52.8"
Distância
2,500 anos-luz
Tamanho Angular
0.3
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Sobre Ghost of Jupiter

Descrição

The Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242) is a bright planetary nebula in Hydra, about 1,400 light-years away. Its blue-green disk spans about 40 arcseconds and bears a passing resemblance to the planet Jupiter, hence its name.

Dicas de Observação

One of the finest planetary nebulae for small telescopes. A 3-inch scope shows a bright blue disk. An 8-inch scope at 200x reveals the inner ring structure and a fainter outer halo. An OIII filter enhances the outer regions. Best in spring evenings.

História

Discovered by William Herschel on February 7, 1785. It is also known as the Eye Nebula due to its concentric shell structure visible in deep images.

Curiosidades

The Ghost of Jupiter has multiple concentric shells, each representing a different mass-loss episode from the dying central star. The outermost halo extends to about 2 arcminutes but is extremely faint.

Fotos da Comunidade (1)

Credit: Judy Schmidt. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: Judy Schmidt. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026