Medusa Nebula

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Medusa Nebula
Planetary nebula Lists of nebulae
No image.
Observation data
(Epoch J2000.0)
Right ascension 07h 29m 02.707s[1]
Declination +13° 14′ 48.77″[1]
Distance 1000 ly (300 pc)[citation needed]
Apparent magnitude (V) 15.99[1]
Apparent dimensions (V) 10′.2[citation needed]
Constellation Gemini
Physical characteristics
Radius
Absolute magnitude (V)
Notable features Very large & very low surface brightness
Other designations Sharpless 2-274, PK 205+14 1,[1] PN G205.1+14.2[1]


The Medusa Nebula is a very old and large planetary nebula in the constellation of Gemini on the Canis Minor border. As it is so big, its surface brightness is very low, with surface magnitudes of between +15.99 and +25 reported. Because of this most websites recommend at least an 8-inch telescope with an OIII filter to find this object although probably possible to image with smaller apertures. The Medusa was discovered in 1955, and until the early 1980s it was thought to be a supernova remnant.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e (SIMBAD 2007)

[edit] References