PCW Memorial Observatory – Erika Rix

This small planetary nebula lies on an imaginary line between Lambda (λ) Orionis and Alpha Orionis (Betelgeuse) in the throat of Orion. Despite its size, it was an easy find unfiltered and resembled a bright fuzzy star at 138x through a 16-inch scope. At 277x, it appeared elliptical with a SSW-NNE elongation and bluish tint. The western and eastern edges were brighter and the center of the nebula was faint by comparison. Neither the outer shell nor the central star was detected. The use of an OIII filter added more definition in the rim.

~ by Erika Rix on January 3, 2014.

Posted in Deep Sky Objects, H 4.34, Herschel Catalog, New General Catalog, NGC 2022, Perek-Kohoutek, PK 196-10.1
Tags: GC 1225, h 365, H IV-34, NGC 2022, orion, PK196-10.1, planetary nebula, PN G196.6-10.9