NGC 246 (also known as the Skull Nebula[ or Caldwell 56) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Cetus. It is the first known planetary nebula to have a hierarchical triple star system at its centre. The nebula and the stars associated with it are listed in several catalogues, as summarized by the SIMBAD database..NGC 246 was discovered by William Herschel in 1785.
The nebula is roughly 1,600 light-years away. NGC 246's central star is the 12th magnitude white dwarf HIP 3678 A.
NGC 246 is known as the "Pac-Man Nebula" because of the arrangement of its central stars and the surrounding star field.
Magnitude: 10.15
Apparent magnitude (V): 10.15
Distance: 1,600 ly
Apparent dimensions (V): 3.8′
3hrs 15 minutes in 5 minute subs collected 18/10/23 - 10" GSO RC, QHY268c OSC camera -15 Losmandy G11 Mount PHD2 Guiding stacked SIRIL, processed SIRIL and PS