description NGC 7293 Overview
NGC 7293, commonly known as the Helix Nebula, is a large planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. It is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, offering astronomers a detailed view of the gas ejected from a central dying star. The nebula's distinctive eye-like appearance is created by a ring of gas and dust glowing from the ionizing radiation of the stellar core. It is a popular target for amateur astronomers due to its size and relative brightness.
help NGC 7293 FAQ
What is the common name for the nebula NGC 7293?
NGC 7293 is most commonly known as the Helix Nebula. It has also been popularly referred to as the 'Eye of God' due to its striking, eye-like appearance when photographed in deep space.
Where is the Helix Nebula located in the night sky?
The nebula is located in the constellation Aquarius. At roughly 650 light-years away, it is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth.
What causes the eye-like shape of NGC 7293?
The colorful, eye-like rings are actually shells of glowing gas ejected by a dying star at the center of the nebula. As the central star collapses into a white dwarf, its radiation illuminates the expelled outer layers of gas.
Can you see the Helix Nebula without a telescope?
Under perfectly dark, clear skies, the Helix Nebula can sometimes be seen as a very faint, fuzzy patch with binoculars or a small telescope. However, it is much more clearly observed in long-exposure astrophotography taken by professional telescopes.
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