Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242)
Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Hydra, magnitude 7.7, 25″ across.
A bright planetary nebula in Hydra, a blue-green oval about the size of Jupiter's disc; high magnification shows an inner ring.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around March, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in February). It can be seen from everywhere south of 71°N and never sets south of 71°S.
At its highest it stands 21° up from 50°N, 36° up from 35°N, 71° up from the equator, 74° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Planetary nebula
- Constellation
- Hydra
- Designations
- NGC 3242, C 59, Jupiter's Ghost Nebula
- Magnitude
- 7.7
- Apparent size
- 25″
- Position
- RA 10h 24.8m, Dec −18° 39′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.