Eskimo Nebula

Eskimo Nebula

Nebula
NGC 2392, the Eskimo Nebula by HST. Credit: NASA/ESA/STScI
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension	07h 29m 10.7669s
Declination	+20° 54′ 42.488″
Distance	≥2,870 ly (≥880 pc) ly
Apparent magnitude (V)	10.1
Apparent dimensions (V)	48″ × 48″
Constellation	Gemini
Physical characteristics
Radius	≥0.34 ly ly
Absolute magnitude (V)	≤0.4
Notable features	–
Designations	NGC 2392,Caldwell 39, Clown Nebula, Clown Face
See also: Lists of nebulae

The Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2392), also known as the Clownface Nebula or Caldwell 39, is a bipolar double-shellplanetary nebula (PN). It was discovered by astronomer William Herschel in 1787. The formation resembles a person's head surrounded by a parka hood. It is surrounded by gas that composed the outer layers of a Sun-like star. The visible inner filaments are ejected by a strong wind of particles from the central star. The outer disk contains unusual light-year-long filaments.

NGC 2392 lies more than 2,870 light-years away and is visible with a small telescope in the constellation of Gemini.

The nebula was discovered by William Herschel on January 17, 1787, in Slough, England. He described it as "A star 9th magnitude with a pretty bright middle, nebulosity equally dispersed all around. A very remarkable phenomenon." NGC 2392 WH IV-45 is included in the Astronomical League's Herschel 400 observing program.

Coordinates: 07^h 29^m 10.7669^s, +20° 54′ 42.488″