| Eskimo Nebula | |
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NGC 2392, the Eskimo Nebula by HST. Credit: NASA/ESA/STScI |
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| Observation data (Epoch J2000) |
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| Right ascension | 07h 29m 10.7669s[1] |
| Declination | +20° 54′ 42.488″[1] |
| Distance | ≥2,870 ly (≥880 pc)[2] |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 10.1[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 48″ × 48″[3] |
| Constellation | Gemini |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | ≥0.34 ly[a] |
| Absolute magnitude (V) | ≤0.4 [b] |
| Notable features | – |
| Other designations | NGC 2392,[1] Caldwell 39, Clown Nebula,[1] Clown Face[1] |
| See also: Planetary nebula, Lists of nebulae | |
The Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2392), also known as the Clownface Nebula[4] or Caldwell 39, is a bipolar[2] double-shell[5] planetary nebula (PN). It was discovered by astronomer William Herschel in 1787. The formation resembles a person's head surrounded by a parka hood. It is surrounded by gas that composed the outer layers of a Sun-like star. The visible inner filaments are ejected by strong wind of particles from the central star. The outer disk contains unusual light-year long orange filaments.
NGC 2392 lies more than 2,870 light-years away and is visible with a small telescope in the constellation of Gemini.
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The nebula was discovered by William Herschel on January 17, 1787, in Slough, England. He described it as "A star 9th magnitude with a pretty bright middle, nebulosity equally dispersed all around. A very remarkable phenomenon."[6] NGC 2392 WH IV-45 is included in the Astronomical League's Herschel 400 observing program.
Coordinates: 07h 29m 10.7669s, +20° 54′ 42.488″
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