NGC 3132
The Eight-Burst Nebula.

2 minutes exposure, SBIG ST-4 CCD
300mm f/6 newtonian at prime focus.

Situated on the Vela/Antila border, NGC 3132 is an excellent planetary nebula for small telescopes. It is bright and the ring shape is easily visible in a 6" telescope. There is an 9th magnitude star in the centre of the nebula, however this is not the star responsible for illuminating the gas. That star is a much fainter one. With such a bright star in the nebula, it has a strong blinking effect. With averted vision, the nebula shows up strongly. However, if the object is stared at, the nebula disappears leaving only the star.

5 minutes exposure, Meade 416XT CCD
8" f/6 newtonian at prime focus.

In a 12" telescope, the nebula has a strong bluish appearence. The nebula exhibits a strong responce to an OIII filter.

Combination of 20, 3 minute exposures using H-alpha and Sulphur II filters,
and 10, 3 minute exposures using an Oxygen III filter.
SBIG ST-8XE CCD. 300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.