VISTA’s look at the Helix Nebula

ESO's Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) has captured this unusual view of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293), a planetary nebula located 700 light-years away. The coloured picture was created from images taken through Y, J and K infrared filters. While bringing to light a rich background of stars and galaxies, the telescope's infrared vision also reveals strands of cold nebular gas that are mostly obscured in visible images of the Helix. 

Credit:

ESO/VISTA/J. Emerson. Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit

About the Image

Id:eso1205a
Type:Observation
Release date:19 January 2012, 12:00
Related releases:eso1205
Related announcements:ann18068
Size:6592 x 6592 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
27.8 MB
Screensize JPEG
491.5 KB

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Coordinates

Position (RA):22 29 38.61
Position (Dec):-20° 50' 14.00"
Field of view:37.51 x 37.51 arcminutes
Orientation:North is 0.0° right of vertical