Click the image for a larger version (65%)

 

Catalogue and alternative designations RCW102 and Menzel 3.  Menzel 3 also has the designations of ESO 225-9, RCW101, Henize 2-154 and Wray 16-213.  It is also known as the Ant nebula.

 

Type Emission nebula and Planetary 
Position  16 17 12.8, -51 59 11 (Menzel 3)
Constellation Norma
Camera and Telescope STL11000M and 31.75 cm Ritchey Chretien
Focal Ratio F9
Exposure Details HaRGB 280:180:135:150 with Astrodon filters all 1x1
Description The Ant nebula is a much studied reasonably bright bipolar planetary with a cataloged diameter of 25".  Click here for a full resolution crop of the Hydrogen Alpha only.  RCW102 is a faint highly structured emission nebula.