Object(s): NGC 246      Observer: Mark G.Birkmann   
Your skills: Intermediate (some years)      Date/time of observation: 10-11-99, 5:30 UT (12:30 CDT)      Location: New Haven, Missouri (Lat ~38, Elev ~700')      Site classification: Rural     Sky darkness: 5 <1-10 Scale (10 best)> Seeing: 5 <1-10 Seeing Scale (10 best)>      Moon presence: None      Instrument: 40" f/5 dob      Magnification: lowest power 125x      Filter(s): OIII, H-beta, Orion Ultrablock       Category: Planetary nebula      Constellation: Cetus      Data: mag 8.0  size 240" x 210"      Position: RA 00h:47.2m  DEC -11:53   

Description:  A great deal of detail is visible in this planetary.  The best view was with the Orion Ultrablock, although I did not have the OIII with me and it may have been as good or better.  I was struck by the way the nebula almost appears to have two "central stars" since two stars within the nebula are in the center of dark regions.  The fainter of the two is probably not associated with the nebula but the very faint, thin rim located near this star appears to bulge out slightly with this star near its radius of curvature.  Without the filter in place a very faint star was seen in this faint area of nebulousity.  Yann has noted that the central star is actually a double star but I was unaware of this and did not record it as being double in my notes.  I'll take a closer look at the central star next time.  Note:  I have since observed this object twice on nights of average seeing and not noticed the central stars companion.