Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543)
Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Draco, magnitude 9.0, 20″ across.
A bright planetary nebula near the north ecliptic pole: a small blue-green oval that takes high magnification well. Hubble images show intricate nested shells.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around July, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in June). It can be seen from everywhere north of 23°S and never sets north of 23°N.
At its highest it stands 73° up from 50°N, 58° up from 35°N, 23° up from the equator, below the horizon from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Planetary nebula
- Constellation
- Draco
- Designations
- NGC 6543, C 6
- Magnitude
- 9.0
- Apparent size
- 20″
- Position
- RA 17h 58.6m, Dec +66° 38′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.