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Saturn Nebula

C55, NGC 7009, PK 37-34.1

Proper NameSaturn Nebula
Caldwell NumberC55
NGC/IC NumberNGC 7009
Other DesignationsPK 37-34.1
ConstellationAquarius
Right Ascension21h 4m 11s
Declination-11° 21' 49"
Distancec.3,800 light years
c.1,200 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +7.8
Absolute: -2.2
DiameterApparent: 0.5'
Actual: 0.5 light years
Optimum VisibilityAugust
NotesIt is not unusual for planetary nebulae like this to show more energetic regions - known as FLIERS - extending out from their central stars. In the case of the Saturn Nebula, these lobes are extraordinarily prominent, giving the nebula an appearance not unlike the planet Saturn with its rings viewed edge-on.

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