NGC 3242

This planetary nebula is often called the "Ghost of Jupiter" since it is fairly large and round- though MUCH dimmer than its namesake. Even a small telescope under bright skies can be used to view this nebula. Its color is an unmistakable blue/green. Views through a larger telescope reveal the inner torus and central star (white dwarf). Located in the constellation of Hydra, NGC 3242 is easily found just beneath (south of) Mu Hydrae. It is estimated to be 1,400 light years away.