M97 - Owl Nebula
The Owl Nebula is a planetary nebula with two dark "eyes" that give it its owl-like appearance. It's one of the more complex planetary nebulae.
Distance: 2,030 light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 9.90
Apparent Size: 3.4' × 3.3'
Constellation: Ursa Major
Object Type: Planetary Nebula
Key Features:
- Two dark "eye" regions
- Complex triple-shell structure
- Central star magnitude 16
- 6,000 years old
- Faint outer halo
Best Imaging Season: January - May
Optimal Integration: 8+ hours (OIII)
