The Eskimo nebula, NGC 2392, resides 2.4 degrees southeast of 3.5 magnitude Wasat, Delta (55) Geminorum. 8.3 magnitude HD 59087 shines 1'.6 to the north of NGC 2392. This bright planetary nebula is readily visible under a dark, transparent sky with moderate aperture. Although it only spans an area roughly 50" across, the Eskimo nebula is relatively large as planetary nebulae go. Its high surface brightness allows for high magnification when the seeing is good. I used an 8.8-mm UWA eyepiece mounted in a TeleVue 3X Barlow to generate a 388X view. NGC 2392 displays a 10.5 magnitude central star surrounded by an inner ring about 20" across. An outer, faint shell surrounds the inner portion and there are places where a gap between the two shells is visible. It's easy to see how this nebula earned its moniker. Delicate striations within the outer shell area also visible. This gives an overall appearance reminiscent of a dandelion.

The Eskimo gives an initial impression of having an aquamarine tint in the 18-inch at 272X. The central star is bright an obvious. With averted vision, the planetary displays inner and outer rings of nebulosity. the inner ring is narrower and appears slightly elongated along the northern edge. The broad outer segment fills out the full 50" size of the object. When viewed directly, most of the nebulosity dissolves away over just a few seconds, leaving the central star blazing forth. This is similar to the Blinking planetary, NGC 6826. 8.3 magnitude HD 59087 stands neaerby to the north. A 12th magnitude GSC star is seen a similar distance to the northwest. The remaining seven field stars range in brightness from 12th to 15th magnitude.