NGC-7293, The Helix Planetary Nebula in Aquarius; a wide field shot. The Helix Nebula, aka The Eye of God also known as The Helix, or NGC 7293, is a large planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding, likely before 1824, this object is one of the closest to the Earth of all the bright planetary nebulae. This is a dying star blowing off it's outer atmosphere. Based on recent measured expansion rates this Planetary Nebula is about 10, 600 years old. The central star is destined to become a white dwarf. The estimated distance is about 215 parsecs (700 light-years). It is similar in appearance to the Cat's Eye Nebula and 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. Modified Canon Rebel Xsi & 5.5 inch Newtonian Reflector, iSO 1600, for 180 minutes (3 hours) its not too bad for a 5 scope and |