NGC1514 in Taurus

This winter I have returned to this planetary several times, and I become more and more fond of it. Unfortunately it is very difficult to see it without a filter, but the O-III works wonders with it. A 12.5-inch scope and a magnification of 100 - 200x and the filter makes it one of the most delicate planetaries in the sky. The central star is plainly visible and fine condensations can be made out across the nebulous disc. I would rate it as #1 in a Planetary Nebula Beauty Contest (Visual observation, not HST images).

Inge S

I agree! I was out last month with the same scope (12.5" Dob). Without the filter, it was just a star in between two field stars of similar magnitude. But pop in the O-III and this large circle of gas becomes easily visible. The guy next to me had an 8" and made the same observation.

Hugh Bartlett