The Helix Nebula

The Helix Nebula (also known as NGC 7293 or Caldwell 63) located in the constellation Aquarius, is an example of a planetary nebula, formed by a star which sheds its outer layers near the end of its evolution. Gases from the star in the surrounding space appear, from Earth's perspective, a helix structure, hence its name. The remnant central stellar core, known as the central star (CS) of the planetary nebula, is destined to become a white dwarf star. The observed glow of the central star is so energetic that it causes the previously expelled gases to brightly fluoresce.