description IC 351 Overview
IC 351 is a nearly circular planetary nebula in the constellation Perseus. It has a compact apparent size and high surface brightness, so its structure is easier to detect than that of many diffuse planetary nebulae. Its strong emission lines and relatively simple appearance have also made it useful for spectroscopic calibration, where known spectral features help check astronomical instruments and observations.
help IC 351 FAQ
Where is IC 351 located?
IC 351 is a planetary nebula in the constellation Perseus. It has a nearly circular appearance and a compact apparent size.
Why is IC 351 easier to detect than faint planetary nebulae?
IC 351 has relatively high surface brightness, so its light is concentrated into a small area. This makes it more noticeable through a telescope than a broad, diffuse nebula of similar total brightness.
What makes IC 351 look greenish in some images?
Planetary nebulae can show strong emission lines from ionized gases, including oxygen and hydrogen. Those emissions can produce green or blue-green tones in astrophotography, depending on filters and processing.
Is IC 351 a galaxy?
No. IC 351 is a planetary nebula, meaning it is an expanding shell of gas from a dying star. The name describes its catalog entry, not a galaxy classification.
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