NGC 7293 The Helix Nebula (LRGB)
The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is a prominent planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. At a distance of approximately 650 light years and a width of about 2.5 light years, it is one of the closest planetary nebulas to our sun. When a star much like our sun reaches the end of its life, the outer gas layers are expelled into space. The central star (which eventually becomes a white dwarf star) glows with so much energy that it causes the expelled gases to fluoresce. Click on the links below to read Rob Gendler's excellent description of the Helix Nebula and to view some of the Helix Nebula images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope.
Image Details
| Target: | NGC 7293 |
| Coordinates (Center - J2000): | RA 22h 29m 38s ; Dec -20d 50m 1s |
| Date: | 14 October 2007 |
| Constellation: | Aquarius |
| Imaging Location: | Chiefland, Florida |
| Camera: | SBIG ST-8XME & CFW-10 Color Filter Wheel |
| Filters: | Astrodon Series E Tru-Balance LRGB |
| Telescope: | Takahashi TSA-102S 4" APO Triplet f/8 (FL = 814mm) |
| Mount: | Takahashi EM-200 Temma II GEM (12 VDC) |
| Image Scale: | 2.28 arcseconds per pixel |
| CCD Temperature: | -10 C |
| L:R:G:B Exposures: | 90:50:50:50 minutes (L=9x600s / RGB=5x600s each) |
| Mount Control Software: | The Sky 6.0.0.52 |
| Camera Control Software: | CCDSoft 5.00.182 |
| Focus Control Software: | FocusMax 3.3.15 |
| Executive Control Software: | CCD Commander 1.4.5 |
| Sub-frame Registration Software: | Registar |
| Calibration and Combining Software: | CCDStack |
| Final Processing Software: | Photoshop CS |
Additional Information
Description of NGC 7293 (By Rob Gendler): http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/NGC7293text.html
Hubble Space Telescope Image of NGC 7293: hubblesite.org The Helix Nebula
Hubble Space Telescope Close up of NGC 7293: hubblesite.org NGC 7293 Close Up