Ghost of Jupiter Nebula NGC 3242

Astrophotography by David Gares

Ghost of Jupiter Nebula NGC 3242

NGC 3242, the "Ghost of Jupiter" nebula, is a very small but rather bright planetary nebula. Its apparent size is in a telescope is equivalent to Jupiter. It is visible from light-polluted areas. High magnification and steady skies are needed to see the details of the "eye" (it has also been called the "Eye Nebula"). My image shows tracking errors; this was the first deep-sky image I ever attempted by CCD.

For more on planetary nebula, see Dumbbell Nebula M27.

Ghost of Jupiter Nebula NGC 3242
(Click image to enlarge)

Object Details:

Type:  Planetary Nebula
Constellation:  Hydra
Distance:  2500 light-years (?)
Size: 0.5 light-years (?)

Image Details:

Date: Jan. 4, 2003
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure: CCD, 3 x 60 sec.
Filters: None
Processing: MSB Astroart 3.0
Telescope: 10" Meade LX200
Reducer: Meade f/6.3
CCD: Starlight Express MX7C
Autoguider: S.T.A.R. 2000