Messier 76

76 final

Object:   M76 (NGC650 & 651) Date:               2019 January 28
Type:  Planetary nebula
Constellation:           Perseus Time & altitude:          21.40 UT   49º
Catalogue data: Seeing (5 high):                               1/5
            R.A:                1h 42m Transparency (5 high):                   5/5
            Dec:                51º 34 Telescope:     0.5m f4.1  Dob.
            Magnitude     10.1 Eyepiece       8mm Ethos    x260
            Size (mins)    3×2 Filters:            None

Notes:

Bright core is aligned NNE-SSW. The S lobe is the brightest part of the nebula and there is a star within it, on the S edge. The N lobe is a little less bright. The two lobes are connected by an ‘apple core’ glow and on each side of this there is a slightly fainter glow which squares off the object into a rough oblong. This whole is set in a much fainter halo which is roughly circular. The SE side of the halo is faintest part of the nebula.