Caldwell 59 — Planetary Nebula in Hydra
NGC 3242
About Ghost of Jupiter
Description
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.
Observing Tips
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.
History
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.
Fun Facts
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.
Observe
1Properties
Position & Identifiers
2How easy to spot?
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | Medium+ | Medium+ | Medium |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Medium+ | Medium+ | Medium+ |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | Medium+ | Medium+ | Medium+ |
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
Ghost of Jupiter · 0.4′ · 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: Judy Schmidt. License: CC BY 2.0. (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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