sketches of some southern planetary nebulae

Hi All,

During my visit to Namibia 6 weeks ago I had the opportunity to observe and sketch several planetary nebulae with a 16" dobson. I thought it would be nice to share them here.

NGC 2867 (Carina)
This is a very bright planetary, but quite small. The highest magnification shows an ever so slightly oblong shape and with effort also a ring (or rather donut) shape can be seen, of which the upper half may appear just a little bit brighter. There's no trace of a central star. The color is a pale blue, even with a filter applied. Usually I don't use filters with this kind of magnifications, but this time I feel the delicate details can be observed a bit better with it.

Attachment 4780

NGC 3132 (Vela)
The ring shape of the “Eight-Burst Nubula” or (better yet) “Southern Ring” is not immediately clear; the center part is nearly as bright, but after longer observation the annulus shape becomes more prominent. The ring is somewhat oval and “hooked”. This because the upper- and underside are a flattened. On both these sides a brighter area is noted, the top one more clearly. The left side of the nebula is softer defined and less bright, which gives the impression of a horseshoe. The central star is very bright and clearly there. Just left and right of the star a darker area is noted, the left pocket a bit larger.

Attachment 4781

NGC 3195 (Chamaeleon)
This is the final object on the Caldwell list and it’s a nice planetary nebula. At first, nothing more is immediately seen than a somewhat oval, bright nebula. But prolonged observation starts to show a dark band, cutting the nebula in two halves. On both sides, two somewhat brighter area’s can be seen just under the center. The resemblance with a coffee bean comes to mind.

Attachment 4782

NGC 3918 (Centaurus)
The Blue Planetary and the color is showing well, even in the 5mm. At first, not much more is seen than a blue and bright dot, but after longer observation it can be seen that the nebula has "dents" from which some nebulosity seems to escape. At the underside the nebula is a bit brighter and on the left side the brightest patch is seen. To the left and right of the "dents" dark spots can be noted.

Attachment 4783

NGC 6302 (Scorpius)
is special and unique in its kind. The “Bug Nebula” is large, stretched and seems to consist of two parts; the left half of the “body” is separated by a dark intrusion from the main part. The brightest area is right of the center and from there it’s easy to see two “tentacles” moving away right and up, the lower one being the largest, longest and brightest. With some effort another tentacle can be seen going down from the middle of the nebula. This one is quite short. The left and longest tentacle was only seen later on when it kept presenting itself on and off with AV and appeared very long and thin. Indeed this object has the appearance of an insect.

Attachment 4784

Martijn