Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543) -- Planetary Nebula in Draco
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The Eye of the Cat
The Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543) is small, bright and shines with a green sheen. The bright
central star is easy to see. A nebula filter is not necessary and will detract from the planetary
nebula’s true color (I used it only to help with the details of the internal ring).
The Cat’s Eye is best observed when the atmosphere is steady, and you can push your
telescope to its maximum power. Even in the small 110mm refractor (257x) the inter-ring of
the nebula was visible, and the overall appearance of this complex planetary nebula was a
pleasing sight. NGC 6543 is a deep sky object that shows well in any sized telescope when
magnification can be applied.
central star is easy to see. A nebula filter is not necessary and will detract from the planetary
nebula’s true color (I used it only to help with the details of the internal ring).
The Cat’s Eye is best observed when the atmosphere is steady, and you can push your
telescope to its maximum power. Even in the small 110mm refractor (257x) the inter-ring of
the nebula was visible, and the overall appearance of this complex planetary nebula was a
pleasing sight. NGC 6543 is a deep sky object that shows well in any sized telescope when
magnification can be applied.