Tag: Helix nebula

NGC 7293 Helix Nebula

The Helix Nebula, also known as NGC 7293, is a large planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius, about 650 light-years away from Earth. Often called the “Eye of God” due to its striking appearance, it features a bright, donut-shaped ring of gas and dust surrounding a central, faint white dwarf—the remnant core of a dying star. This nebula formed when the star shed its outer layers in the final stages of its life, creating the colorful halo we see today. It spans about 2.5 light-years and is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular object of study in astronomy.

TelescopeNewtonian 200/800 mm
Aperture200 mm
Focal length800 mm
MountSkywatcher EQ6R
AutoguidingZWO 174MM, WO 40/200 mm
CameraZWO 071MC @-0°C
CorrectorGPU
FiltersAntlia DualBand
Exposure131x180s, Gain 100, bin 1×1,
Date2024-10-05

NGC7293 Helix Nebula

NGC 7293, sometimes called Helix Nebula, is the closest planetary nebula (only 700 light-years away), which can be located in constellation Aquarius. Last year I captured this nebula on Gavdos. This year on Milos I was equipped by different telescope and different camera, so I gave it a try again.

Technical details:

TelescopeNewton 150/600 mm
Aperture150 mm
Focal length660 mm
MountiOptron CEM25P
AutoguidingQHYCCD miniGuideScope 130 mm f/4.3, ZWO 174 MM
CameraZWO 071 Pro @-10C
CorrectorExplore Scientific HR coma corrector
FiltersAstronomik L-1 - UV IR Block Filter
Exposure40x300s, Gain 134, bin 1x1,
Date2018-09-07


NGC 7293 Helix nebula

Helix nebula is the closest and the brightest planetary nebula in the sky. It was discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding quite long time ago at 1824 in constellation Aquarius. This nebula is similar to Dumbbell or Ring Nebula, only it’s much bigger and bit closer – approximately 450 light-years.

I took this picture on Gavdos. This nebula was my primary target there, because in Switzerland is located not far above the horizon, therefore I would have to capture it through heavy light pollution. In the southernmost point of European continent was way upper in the sky. I was collecting the light coming from this nebula several nights and it was worth it:

Technical details

Telescope:RC 154/1370
Aperture:154 mm
Focal length:917 mm
MountiOptron CEM25P
AutoguidingQHYCCD miniGuideScope 130 mm f/4.3, ZWO 174 MM
Camera:ZWO 1600 MC @ -15C
Corrector:Astro Physics CCDT67
Filters:UV, IR cut
Exposure:116x 180s Gain 139
Date:2017-09-22