Abell 12

Abell 12, also known as PNG 198.6-06.3, PK 198-06.1 and ARO 220, is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Orion. The nebula is 6,900 light years away from Earth, north of Betelgeuse. Abell 12 is known as "the hidden planetary" because of the foreground star Mu Orionis making it difficult to observe and Abell 12 being at an apparent magnitude of about 14. The best way for it to be observed is through narrowband filters such as H-alpha and O-III.^[1] The northern outer red hydrogen shell has been ruptured allowing the interior oxygen to spill out.^[2]

Constellation map of Orion

Abell 12

Emission nebula
Planetary nebula
Planetary Nebula Abell 12 with DECam r-band filter. Mu Orionis is on the upper left and saturates large parts of the image.
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension	06h 02m 21.4s
Declination	+09° 39′ 07″
Constellation	Orion
Notable features	Obscured by a foreground star
Designations	PNG 198.6-06.3 PK 198-06.1 ARO 120
See also: Lists of nebulae