The planetary nebula NGC 1514 in Taurus. Even in relatively modest scopes much detail is visible, especially using an OIII filter. POSS/DSS image.

NGC 1514, located in northern Taurus near the Pereus border, is a planetary nebula rich in detail for even modest amateur telescopes. Overall, the planetary appears as a blotchy disk about two arc-minutes across surrounding a very bright central star (magnitude 9.4). Using an OIII filter serves two purposes when observing this object: it increases the contrast of the nebula and diminishes the brightness of the dazzling central star.

At higher magnification with a filter, I found that the mottled structure becomes more visible and I can begin to make out a low-contrast annulus. The annulus is blotchy, with two obvious brighter areas to the southeast and northwest. The central area inside the annulus is only slightly darker and has a ragged, rather than smooth outline.

How to get there:

NGC 1514 is located about 3.5 degrees east-southeast of Zeta Persei.

Finder chart for NGC 1514