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NGC 7293 God's Eye

The Helix Nebula (also known as The Helix, NGC 7293, or Caldwell 63) is a large planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding, probably before 1824, this object is one of the closest to the Earth of all the bright planetary nebulae. The estimated distance is about 215 parsecs or 700 light-years. It is similar in appearance to the Ring Nebula, whose size, age, and physical characteristics are similar to the Dumbbell Nebula, varying only in its relative proximity and the appearance from the equatorial viewing angle. The Helix has often been referred to as the Eye of God on the Internet. The Helix Nebula is an example of a planetary nebula, or 'planetary' formed at the end of a star's evolution. Gases from the star in the surrounding space appear, from our vantage point, as if we are looking down a helix structure. The remnant central stellar core, known as a planetary nebula nucleus or PNN, 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. The Helix Nebula in the constellation of Aquarius lies about 700 light-years away, spanning about 0.8 parsec or 2.5 light-years.
astromarcin
astromarcin

Photo Details

  FSQ106EDX (530 mm) Takahashi

  Camera: Sbig ST-8300M, HLRGB 36mm round Baader filters

  Mount: G11 Celestron Branded

  Guiding: OF-axis SS autoguider

  Exposure: HRGB 6x20min, RGB 8x7min

  When: June 2013

  Other information: Namibia, Tivoli Faram

 

astromarcin
astromarcin

Photo Details

  FSQ106EDX (530 mm) Takahashi

  Camera: Sbig ST-2000XM and XCM, Sbig Filter wheel, Baader 1.25" HLRGB filters

  Mount: NJP Takahashi

  Guiding: Self-guided

  Exposure: HaLRGB 4.5h Ha, 2h color

  When: August 2009

  Other information: very good transparency, very good seeing

 

astromarcin

Photo Details

  Sky90@4.5 (405 mm) Takahashi

  Camera: Sbig ST-2000XM and XCM, Sbig Filter wheel, Baader 1.25" HLRGB filters

  Mount: HEQ5

  Guiding: Self-guided

  Exposure: LRGB 7,2,2,2 x 5min

  When: June 2016

  Other information: South Africa, very good transparency, very good seeing

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