NGC 4071


5 minutes exposure. Meade 416XTE CCD.
8" f/6 newtonian prime focus.

NGC 4071 is a fairly small and planetary nebula in the southern constellation of Musca. Although not particularly faint in total brightness, it has a very low surface brightness which means dark skies are required for a good view in a small telescope. In an 8" telescope it appears as a small faint disk that responds well to an OIII filter. With larger telescopes, some structure can be seen.


Combination of 2, 3 minute exposures, Meade 416XTE CCD.
300mm f/6 newtonian prime focus.


Combination of 5, 3 minute exposures using an H-alpha filter.
SBIG ST-8XE CCD. 300mm f/6 newtonian telescope at prime focus.

Given that it can be observed visually without too much difficulty, it is surprising that it is so weakly recorded in the above image. Clearly this shows that much of the emission is not due to hydrogen.