NGC 6543, the Cat's Eye Nebula, is a bright planetary nebula in the constellation of Draco.

The Cat's Eye shines at magnitude 8.1 and subtends an apparent angle of 23 x 17 arcseconds. Although it is small, its high surface brightness makes it easy to find.

NGC 6543 lies at a distance of 3,600 light-years away. At that distance the nebula is one half light-year in size.

The nebula consists of a series of complex shells of gas shed by a sun-like star late in its life time, and powered by the ultraviolet light from the remaining hot central white dwarf star. The nebula formed 1,000 years ago, and will only last for another 10,000 years or so. The central star (HD 164963) shines at magnitude 11.27.

NGC 6543 was discovered by William Herschel in 1786. It was the first planetary nebula investigated spectroscopically, by William Huggins, an English amateur astronomer in 1864.

North is to the top in the above image.

NGC 6543 Catalogs: NGC 6543, PK 96+29.1 Common Name: Cat's Eye, Snail, Sunflower Object Type: Planetary Nebula Magnitude: 8.1v Size: 23" x 17" Constellation: Draco Image Field Centered At: RA: 17h 58m 32s Dec: +66° 37' 43"