NGC 246, famously known as the "Skull Nebula," derives its popular name from its distinctive appearance, resembling a human skull or a spooky visage when observed in certain conditions. This nebula is an open cluster embedded in a cloud of interstellar gas and dust, located in the constellation Cetus.

The Skull Nebula, designated as Caldwell 56, showcases intricate details when viewed through telescopes equipped with narrowband filters that enhance the contrast of the nebula's features. It's important to note that the perception of a skull-like shape is often subjective and depends on factors such as the observer's imagination and the quality of the observing conditions.

NGC 246 stands out not only for its captivating appearance but also for its scientific significance, offering astronomers valuable insights into the processes of star formation, interstellar dust, and the life cycle of open star clusters within our Milky Way galaxy.

Image Description and Details :

A two panel mosaic of NGC 246 - the Skull Nebula, spiral galaxy NGC 255, and dwarf galaxy PGC2689.Image captured on my dual rig in Spain.Scopes: APM TMB LZOS 152 RefractorsCameras: QSI6120wsg8Mount: 10Micron GM2000 HPSBlue: 60x300"Green: 58x300"Lum: 85x300"Red: 61x300"Total Integration: 22 hours



Copyright Peter Goodhew