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Skull Nebula

Pac-Man Nebula, C56, NGC 246, PK 118-74.1

Proper NamesSkull Nebula, Pac-Man Nebula
Caldwell NumberC56
NGC/IC NumberNGC 246
Other DesignationsPK 118-74.1
ConstellationCetus
Right Ascension0h 47m 3s
Declination-11° 52' 19"
Distancec.1,540 light years
c.470 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +10.4
Absolute: +1.7
Mean DiameterApparent: 4'
Actual: 2 light years
Associated Star(s)HIP 3678
Optimum VisibilityOctober
NotesThe white dwarf at the heart of this structure is the remnant of a giant star whose outer shell expanded to create the nebula itself. The nebula's interior is irregularly patterned, with an arrangement of darker areas that combine to create a very approximate skull shape.

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