Presented over the next four pages are my choices for the best PNs to be observed during the four seasons of the year. In each seasonal page, there is a list of twenty-five planetary nebulae, ranging in difficulty from easy to quite challenging to impossible? The use of nebula filters is recommended for a majority of these objects, and although dark skies would certainly help in locating and viewing these objects, they are not mandatory. In fact, one of the positive aspects of PN viewing is that there are many that can be satisfactorily viewed and examined under light polluted skies. I would be extremely appreciative for any feedback on these lists, their contents and/or observing reports based on the lists.
(See printing suggestions below).| Winter (Northern)
Summer (Southern) Planetaries |
Spring (Northern) Autumn
(Southern) Planetaries |
Summer (Northern)
Winter (Southern) Planetaries |
Autumn (Northern)
Spring (Southern) Planetaries |
| R.A.: 03hr > 09hr | R.A.: 09hr > 15hr | R.A.: 15hr > 21hr | R.A.: 21hr > 03hr |
Each page has been (hopefully) optimized for printing, so that the list can be printed out and used on your next or future observing sessions. On each page, below the object table, there is additional info.