Description of object: NGC 40 is a planetary nebula in Cepheus. As with a great many planetary nebulae, NGC 40 is amply bright for observation in a small telescope but can be missed in a quick scan of the region due its small size making it difficult to distinguish from a star when one moves too quickly.

Picture Information: October 1, 2003.  The image was created by adding 10 ten-second exposures.

Moon Phase: 40%

Telescope and Camera Info.: Meade 12in. Schmidt-Cassegrain, f/10, with an Apogee AP6E CCD camera.