The Helix Nebula (also known as NGC 7293 or Caldwell 63) is a
planetary nebula (PN) located in the
constellationAquarius. Discovered [in] 1824, this object is one of the closest of all the bright
planetary nebulae to Earth. The distance, measured by the
Gaia mission, is 655±13 light-years and is about 2.5 light-years across, located in the constellation Aquarius. It is similar in appearance to the
Cat's Eye Nebula and the
Ring Nebula, whose size, age, and physical characteristics are also similar to the
Dumbbell Nebula. The Helix Nebula is an example of a planetary nebula, formed by an intermediate to low-mass 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, in a helix structure. 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. [Wikipedia]
This is a 29.3h LRGBHO image using data collected by DeepSkyWest with their CDK PW17 scope in Rio Hurtato, Chile during Sept-Nov. of 2023.
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