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NGC_7293_V4, Stephen Duffy

NGC_7293_V4

NGC_7293_V4, Stephen Duffy

NGC_7293_V4

Description

The Helix Nebula (also known as NGC 7293 or Caldwell 63) is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. This is one of the closest to the Earth of all the bright planetary nebulae. The distance, measured by the Gaia mission, is 655±13 light-years. The Helix Nebula has sometimes been referred to as the "Eye of God" in pop culture, as well as the "Eye of Sauron". 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 as if we are looking down a helix structure. The remnant central star 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, red for hydrogen, blue for oxygen.
Text from Wikipedia
Taken from Santa Rosa CA March 2019
Scope: TEC140 Camera QSI683 Mount MYT
Ha and Oiii 10 hours each, RGB 2.5 hours each.
Reprocessed April 2023

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Histogram

NGC_7293_V4, Stephen Duffy