The Eight-Burst Nebula. NGC 3132

NGC 3132
The Eight-Burst Nebula


45 minutes exposure. Konica 3200 film.
5" f/5 refractor with 2x barlow lens.

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. This is one of the best planetary nebulae for southern observers.


45 minutes exposure. Fuji Super HG V 400 film.
300mm f/6 newtonian at prime focus.

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