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.
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
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
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