NGC 7293 · planetary nebula

Helix Nebula

The Helix Nebula is a planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius.

RA22h 29m 38sDec−20° 50' 13"

Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSC. Source: JPL via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: NGC 7293
All designations: NGC 7293 · Helix Nebula
Object type: Planetary Nebula
Constellation: Aquarius
Best viewing: Autumn

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 22h 29m 38s
Declination (J2000): −20° 50' 13"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

The Helix Nebula is a planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding, most likely before 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. It is similar in appearance to the Cat's Eye Nebula and the Ring Nebula, whose size, age, and physical characteristics are in turn similar to the Dumbbell Nebula, differing only in their relative proximity and the appearance from the equatorial viewing angle. The Helix Nebula has sometimes been referred to as the "Eye of God" in pop culture, as well as the "Eye of Sauron".

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0