NGC6781
PK 41-2.1
Aquila
RA 19 18 28
DEC 06 32 19.3
Type: Planetary Nebula
Mag: 11.4
Size: 1.9’
Central Star Mag: 16.2
An often missed planetary, NGC6781 is a beautiful, nearly circular planetary located in Aquila and it definitely deserves some attention your next time out. Not only is it easily located just 4 degrees NW of Delta Aquilae, it’s bright enough to reveal itself in scopes in small as 4 inches under ideal conditions.
My last opportunity observing this object was in October of 2015 with my 30” f/4.5 OMI EVO from western Illinois skies. Seeing and transparency were both 3/5 this night. My notes state a “bright and circular, obviously green in color. brightest south. Apparent mottling in the outer ring with a dark central region. No CS visible. OIII was best view”
As a side, NGC6781 was discovered by Sir John Herschel in 1847 using his 18” f/13 speculum mirrored telescope at the Cape of Good Hope.
As always,
“Give it a go and let us know!”
sergioequivar6718.jpg
copyright Sergio Equivar