NGC6543 under a Starlight sky

Image Title: NGC6543 under a Starlight sky

Copyright: David Molina

Date image was taken: June 18, 2025

Location: La Palma (Spain)

Data Acquisition Method: Personal Telescope Setup

Description and Details: Adquisition:
Antlia Dark Series Blue 36 mm: 10×300,″(50′)
Antlia Dark Series Green 36 mm: 10×300,″(50′)
Antlia Dark Series Red 36 mm: 10×300,″(50′)
Antlia H-alpha 7nm 36 mm: 20×180,″(1h)
Antlia H-alpha 7nm 36 mm: 20×300,″(1h 40′)
Antlia H-alpha 7nm 36 mm: 20×900,″(5h)
Antlia OIII 7nm 36 mm: 20×180,″(1h)
Antlia OIII 7nm 36 mm: 20×300,″(1h 40′)
Antlia OIII 7nm 36 mm: 20×900,″(5h)
Integration:
17h 50′
NGC 6543, commonly known as the Cat’s Eye Nebula, is a planetary nebula located about 3,000 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Draco. Despite the name, planetary nebulae have nothing to do with planets — the term comes from their rounded appearance in early telescopes, which resembled distant planets.
This nebula was formed when a star similar to our Sun reached the end of its life. As it ran out of nuclear fuel, the star expelled its outer layers into space, creating a glowing shell of ionized gas and dust. What we observe today is the result of that expulsion, lit up by the intense ultraviolet radiation from the hot stellar remnant at its core: a white dwarf.
NGC 6543 is one of the most studied planetary nebulae due to its unusually complex structure. Images from the Hubble Space Telescope have revealed intricate layers of gas, internal symmetries, and a stunning visual that has captivated both astronomers and space enthusiasts alike.
In short, the Cat’s Eye Nebula is a striking example of the final fate of stars like our Sun — and a reminder that even in stellar death, the universe produces breathtaking cosmic art.
Image obtained from the Starlight skies of the island of La Palma a few kilometers from the GTC Gran Telescopio Canarias.

Name: David Molina

Website or Facebook Profile: http://liltecan.com