NGC 1360 (aka M 1-3)

Irregular Shaped Planetary Nebula in Fornax

(ra: 3,33.3 / dec -25:51)

October 2011,  San Antonio de Areco - Buenos Aires, Argentina

DATA

TYPE: Planetary Nebula

Apparent Magnitude: 9.4

Apparent Diameter: 6.4  arcs minutes

DISTANCE: 1100 light years (estimate)

IMAGE INFORMATION

SCOPE: Orion Optics UK 150/750 f5 Ultra Grade Mirror with Baader MPCC

CAMERA: QSI 583 WS

MOUNT: NEQ6

GUIDING: Synta 70/400 refractor with Starlight Xpress LodeStar PHD Guiding 12

FILTERS: Baader 2" LRGB downsized to 31 mm

SKY CONDITIONS: transparency and seeing good

EXPOSURES: LRGB (30,30,30,30)

PROCESSING: Calibration in Images Plus Sigma Media, CCD Sharp, NASA Photoshop Fits Liberator, Photoshop CS2

OBJECT DESCRIPTION AND IMAGE SESSION

Planetary nebulae can take a wide variety of shapes and well defined boundaries. In the case of NGC 1360 clearly does not follow those patterns nevertheless its colour clearly identifies the object as a planetary nebula. The intense greenish shows the oxygen (OIII) radiation excited by the hot central star (magnitude 11.34 - TYC 6450-1071-1). NGC 1360 was discovered in January 1868 by German astronomer Friedrich August Theodor Winnecke. Considering how large and bright and also is not so low declination for Northern observers, NGC 1360 is it should be much better known.

This was the first try in the new site in the Camping La Porteña close to San Antonio de Areco. An easy access place from my home and relative good dark skies.