Planetary nebula
Ophiuchus
RA 17h 53m 32
DEC +10d 37m 25s
Magnitude 14.7 (p)
Size: 78” x 72”

Abell43_Ed Walendowski_Adam Block_NOAO_AURA_NSF.gif

I had my first look observation of the planetary nebula Abel 43 a couple weeks ago at the Golden State Star Party, and it was especially gratifying after being skunked by the apparently invisible Abel 42.

Abel 43 is a decent size and bright enough to show a little detail. It appeared perfectly round although photos show it to have a somewhat lumpy outer perimeter and a beautifully lacy inner region.

Nonetheless, I did see a distinctly brighter perimeter, especially along the northern border and three stars that were superimposed on the round nebula, one of which is presumably the central star. The NPB and OIII filters seemed to enhance the planetary about the same, but the NPB gave a more natural view that showed more filed stars. I could faintly see the planetary without a filter at 220x. The sky was a dark and transparent 21.72 SQM at the time of this observation.

Given what I saw with my 28 inch, my guess is that Abell 43 would be visible in a 16 inch under comparable conditions.

Abell43PN_crop,.gif Abell43PN_crop_invert,.gif

"GIVE IT A GO AND LET US KNOW"