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Old 25-11-2021, 04:07 PM
astro744
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,244
Can you see above Jupiter due west at 22:30 about half way between Jupiter and Fomalhaut (slightly right)? If so then try for NGC 7293, Helix Nebula. A bit more challenging than 47 Tuc but not too difficult. It’s a large planetary nebula about 2/5 to 1/2 the apparent size of the Moon. A dark sky is best but can be seen in suburbia. A UHC filter helps but not essential. It’s 7.59 magnitude is spread out over a large area whereas NGC 3242, Ghost of Jupiter magnitude of 7.3 is considerably more compact.

Magnitude data is from Sky Safari 6 Pro which conflicts with Stellarium which has 3242 at mag. 8.6. Not sure why such a big difference for 3242. Note magnitude drops as objects get lower in the sky due to the greater air mass. Magnitudes quoted do not take atmospheric extinction into account.

3242 appears stellar at very low powers but starts showing a disk as you increase magnification. Similar apparent size of Jupiter hence it’s name.
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