NGC6905
Henize 2-466
PK 61-9.1

Delphinus

Planetary Nebula

RA 20 22 23.0
DEC 20 06 16

Mag: 10.9
CS Mag: 15.7

Size: 72.0" x 37.0"

NGC6905 or the Blue Flash Planetary, was discovered by none other than William Herschel in 1784. Located in northwestern Delphinus near the borders of Vulpecula and Sagitta, NGC6905 is a rather bright planetary visible in a plethora of apertures. Online reports indicate that scopes as small as 3.5" are capable of seeing this object but if you want to see any of its color or central star, scopes upwards of 14" is recommended.

To locate it, NGC6905 is situated in a tiny triangle asterism comprised of 10th and 12th magnitude stars approximately 6 degrees NW of Alpha Delphini. My most recent observation came nearly one year ago this month while testing out a 30" I was fortunate enough to have on loan:

NGC6905 in Delphinus 14OCT15 Dixon, Il T4S3 30" f/4 OMI EVO
Eastern and Western edges (mostly eastern) quite pronounced with northern and southern edges less defined. Overall appearance reminds me of a small M27. Mottling throughout central regions. CS direct vision. Rather light blue object but less so than 7662 i think.

So no matter the size of scope, be sure to check out NGC6905 while Delphinus is ideally placed in these October skies.

And as always,

Give it a go and let us know!

NGC-6905-The-Blue-Flash-Nebula.jpg
©Adam Block