Caldwell 55 — Planetary Nebula in Aquarius
NGC 7009
About Saturn Nebula
Description
The Saturn Nebula (NGC 7009) is a bright planetary nebula in Aquarius, about 2,400 light-years away. It gets its name from the ansae (handle-like projections) extending from either side of the bright oval shell, resembling Saturn's rings seen at a slight angle.
Observing Tips
One of the brightest planetary nebulae and a rewarding target. A 4-inch scope shows a bright blue-green disk. At 150x+ in a 6-inch, the elongation becomes apparent. The ansae require 10 inches and steady seeing. An OIII filter enhances the view. Best in autumn.
History
Discovered by William Herschel on September 7, 1782. Lord Rosse first noted the Saturn-like extensions in the 1840s using his great 72-inch reflector at Birr Castle, Ireland.
Fun Facts
The Saturn Nebula's ansae are jets of material ejected at high speed from the central star's poles. The central star has a temperature of about 55,000 K and will eventually cool to become a white dwarf.
Observe
1Properties
Position & Identifiers
2How easy to spot?
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | Easy | Medium+ | Medium+ |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
With O-III filter
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | Easy | Easy | Easy |
3Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
4
Filter Response Guide
5
Eyepiece View
Saturn Nebula · 0.7′×0.5′ · N up, E left
6
Best Magnification
Explore
7
Central Star
8
Surface Brightness
Discover
9
Light Travel Time Machine
10
Relativistic Travel
Community Photos (1)
Credit: ESO/J. Walsh. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
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