NGC 7009

Right Ascension	21 : 04.2 (h:m)
Declination	-11 : 22 (deg:m)
Distance	0.16 (kly)
Visual Brightness	8.0 (mag)
Apparent Dimension	0.4 x 1.6 (arc min)

The Saturn Nebula was one of the first discoveries of William Herschel in September 1782, when he started his great survey (this one was discovered on September 7). This remarkable planetary nebula has its name from its appearance, which resembles a faint suggestion of the planet Saturn with rings nearly edge-on. Its central star is rather bright with mag 11.5.

In the SAC 110 best NGC object list. No. 1 in the RASC Finest NGC Object list. In John Caldwell's list.

Bill Arnett's Saturn Nebula NGC 7009 photo page, info page.