Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242)
The Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Hydra, just south of Mu Hydrae. Although round and similar in apparent size to Jupiter, it is much dimmer and an unmistakable blue-green in color. Even a small telescope will show it well; larger instruments reveal its inner torus and central star.
| visual magnitude | 9 |
| angular diameter | 20.8' |
| distance | ~3,000 light-years (920 pc) |
| position | RA 10h 24m 46s, Dec -18° 38' 33" |
| other designations | ESO 568- 5, GC 14298, HD 90255, PN G261.0+32.0 |
