NGC 6826: A Blinking Planetary Nebula in Cygnus

NGC 6826, also known as Caldwell 15, is a planetary nebula in the constellation Cygnus. It’s best viewed in the summer and early autumn.

Amateur astronomers will enjoy viewing the nebula because its central white star is visible in small telescopes. As one stares at the central star or uses averted vision, the nebula’s fuzzy cloud may come into view as if turning on a light switch. Because of this, some refer to NGC 6826 as the “blinking planetary.” Of course, those with larger telescopes will see the surrounding nebula at first glance as long as sky conditions are good. As you peer upon this planetary nebula, just remember you’re seeing a shell of gas surrounding a dying star. NGC 6826 is around 1,000 years old and was discovered by William Herschel in 1793.

My Observations

July 30, 2022, at 10:45 p.m.: I didn’t expect to find this dim planetary nebula so easily. I’m thrilled by what I’m seeing right now. The nebula appears as a blueish, fuzzy patch with a star at its center. This deep sky target is a great example of a planetary nebula because it resembles the planet Uranus in the eyepiece.

According to my handwritten records, I first observed this planet on November 8, 2020. As I type this note, I recall the exact week two years ago. I woke up in the middle of the night to a racing heartbeat and fever. Without much change in condition, I went to a clinic the next morning. As I waited in the clinic room, a doctor walked in with a full gown, face mask, and shield, with two layers of gloves. The outfit served as a stark reminder of the dangers of COVID. She administered the COVID test and sent me on my way after some additional heart scans. I soon received word that I didn’t have COVID. I’ll never know what caused my symptoms, but they eventually passed around November 8, 2020.

Key Stats

Sources and Notes

Photo of NGC 6826 is in the public domain because it was created by NASA and ESA. Full details here.

AKA: Caldwell 15