NGC 3242

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NGC 3242, aka Ghost of Jupiter, is a planetary nebula in the constellation Hydra, 1400 ly from Sol. The stellar remnant of a white dwarf is visible at the center of the nebula. When a star completes fusion in its core, it throws off its outer layers which creates a planetary nebula.^[1] It's also called Ghost of Jupiter for having a striking resemblance to Jupiter. William Herschel discovered the nebula on February 7, 1785.

Gallery

NGC 3242, Ghost of Jupiter
Inside NGC 3242

References

↑ https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap970331.html

[1] ttps://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap970331.html

[1]