SBIG ST-4000XCM
7x10min
Darks/Flats/Bias Applied
Imager Temp -20C
Celestron 9.25 Reduced 0.63
Full Frame

Poor Transparency and Windy - Series Interrupted by Moonrise

Astronomy Magazine Picture of the Day March 5, 2010

Astronomy Magazine April 2010 Print Edition Reader's Gallery

NGC 246 (Caldwell 56) is a planetary nebula that lies 1600 light years away in the constellation Cetus. It's formation began thousands of years ago when the smaller, sunlike star in the central binary began shedding it's outer atmosphere on a journey towards a white dwarf. Since the double is not resolveable with this setup, it is not visible here, but the dying star can be seen in images from larger instruments. The white dwarf continues to evolve; In 1930, it was as bright as 9th magnitude. In 1969 it diminished to 11.2 and today it has faded to 12th magnitude.

November 6, 2009