| Owl Nebula | |
|---|---|
Owl Nebula |
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| Observation data (Epoch J2000.0) |
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| Right ascension | 11h 14.8m |
| Declination | +55° 01′ |
| Distance | 2,600 ly |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | +9.9 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 3.4 × 3.3 arcmin |
| Constellation | Ursa Major |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | 1.5 ly |
| Notable features | Owl-like "eyes" visible through larger telescopes |
| Other designations | M97, NGC 3587 |
| See also: Planetary nebula, Lists of nebulae | |
The Owl Nebula (also known as Messier Object 97 or NGC 3587) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Ursa Major. It was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1781.
M97 is regarded as one of the more complex of the planetaries. The 16th magnitude central star has about 0.7 solar mass and the nebula itself about 0.15 solar mass. The nebula formed roughly 6,000 years ago.
The nebula gets it name due to the appearance of owl-like "eyes" when view through a large (>200 mm) telescope under dark sky conditions with the aid of a so-called "nebula filter." The "eyes" are also easily visible through photographs taken of the nebula.
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