Infrared/visible light comparison view of the Helix Nebula

This comparison shows a new view of the Helix Nebula acquired with the VISTA telescope in infrared light (left) and the more familiar view in visible light from the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope (right). The infrared vision of VISTA reveals strands of cold nebular gas that are mostly obscured in visible light images of the Helix.

Credit:

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

About the Image

Id:eso1205d
Type:Observation
Release date:19 January 2012, 12:00
Related releases:eso1205
Size:5224 x 2522 px

About the Object

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

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