NGC 7293 (The Helix Nebula)

Constellation: Aquarius

Distance: 700 Light Years


The closest "planetary nebula" to earth (see the Dumbbell Nebula for a description of how these nebula form). The collapsed white dwarf star, seen at the center, energizes more central oxygen which glows teal/green, and more peripheral hydrogen, which appears read.

Acquisition Data:

9/4-5/2010, North Branch NY

45 X 6 minutes, ISO 1600

Canon t1i (500D), modified

AstroTech RC-8, focal length 1625 mm

CGEM mount, guided with Starlight Express Lodestar autoguider and PHD Guiding

Processed with Images Plus and Photoshop CS2