Planetary Nebula in Corvus


Magnitude: 10.3
Central Star Mag: 13.2

RA 12 24 30.76
DEC -18 47 05.4
(J2000.0)

AKA:

ESO 573-PN 019
P-K 294+43 01

4361_DSS_POSS2_blue.jpg

At nearly 2 minutes across, NGC 4361 is a moderately bright PN in Corvus that often goes unnoticed. The PN has been observed in scopes as small as 4.25” so it’s a good target for anyone. If you’re able to observe 4361 in a larger scope, you may start to pick up a hint of symmetry that can resemble the arms of a spiral galaxy. Being that it’s so close to Virgo, it isn’t unheard of this PN being mistaken for a galaxy.

As a side, Megastar reveals quite a few MAC galaxies in the vicinity of 4361, including MAC 1224-1841, a nice faint edge on that’s listed as 16th magnitude. Unless you’re observing with large glass under really dark and transparent skies, I’ll save the MACs for this weeks bonus point objects!

So next time you’re out and checking out M104 or other Virgo fuzzies, be sure to swing a little further south to Corvus. If you’ve never seen NGC 4361, you may just be in for a little surprise.

And remember,

GIVE IT A GO AND LET US KNOW!

GOOD LUCK AND GREAT VIEWING!