The Helix Nebula*

This colour-composite image of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) was created from images obtained using the Wide Field Imager (WFI), an astronomical camera attached to the 2.2-metre Max-Planck Society/ESO telescope at the La Silla observatory in Chile. The blue-green glow in the centre of the Helix comes from oxygen atoms shining under effects of the intense ultraviolet radiation of the 120 000 degree Celsius central star and the hot gas. Further out from the star and beyond the ring of knots, the red colour from hydrogen and nitrogen is more prominent. A careful look at the central part of this object reveals not only the knots, but also many remote galaxies seen right through the thinly spread glowing gas.

This image was created from images through blue, green and red filters and the total exposure times were 12 minutes, 9 minutes and 7 minutes respectively.

This image is available as a mounted image in the ESOshop.

#L

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso0907a
Type:Observation
Release date:25 February 2009
Related releases:eso0907
Size:7059 x 6535 px

About the Object

Name:Helix Nebula, NGC 7293
Type:Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Planetary
Distance:700 light years
Constellation:Aquarius
Category:Nebulae

Image Formats

Large JPEG
9.9 MB
Screensize JPEG
148.7 KB

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Coordinates

Position (RA):22 29 38.57
Position (Dec):-20° 50' 13.82"
Field of view:28.02 x 25.94 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.1° left of vertical