NGC 7293 Helix Nebula
Magnitude: 7.6
Distance: Aprox: 714 light-years
Constellation: Aquarius
One of the closest and apparently largest of all planetary nebulae, the Helix is one of the few sights that’s easier to see in a small telescope than a large one. Like all planetary nebulae, the Helix is a region of rarified gas thrown off by a dying star of moderate mass. The star is essentially ejecting its outer atmosphere and exposing its blazing hot core to full view. The Helix is distinguished by its proximity to Earth, about 300 light years, and its consequent very large apparent size. By comparison, the Ring Nebula in Lyra is some 2,000 light years away. The Helix gets its name from its ring-like appearance which resembles the two coils of a spring seen on axis.
Taken 9/27/19 in Kenton, Oklahoma by Russell Kille on a Celestron CPC 1100 with Hyperstar @ F2 and ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera.
Taken 9/15/18 at Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Clayton, MI by Russell Kille on a CPC 1100 with Hyperstar @ F2 and ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera
