Terry Robison
Helix Nebula - NGC 7293
The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is a large planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius, approximately 650 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the closest and best-known examples of this type of nebula. The nebula's stunning, eye-like appearance has made it a favourite target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.
I tried this target many years ago and wanted to have another go and do it some justice. I grabbed a bucket load of data to see what the result would be. I love the teal colouring of the core. This wonderful colour is often removed during the processing stage, and this is something I wanted to retain in the final rendition. It’s such a lovely colour.
If you look closely, many tiny galaxies can be found throughout the field. There is even an interacting galaxy around the 3:30-4:00 o’clock position from the central star of the planetary (right where the dimmer nebula is fading to the background). The colourful stars add a nice balance.
Key Characteristics:
Shape and Appearance: The Helix Nebula resembles a giant, colourful eye, with a bright central region surrounded by a faint, extended halo. The inner part of the nebula is dense and consists of gases such as hydrogen and oxygen, while the outer regions are more diffuse.
Central Star: At the heart of the Helix Nebula is a white dwarf, the remnant of the star that created the nebula after shedding its outer layers. This white dwarf is extremely hot and emits intense ultraviolet radiation, which ionizes the surrounding gas and causes the nebula to glow.
Size and Structure: It spans about 2.5 light-years across, and its physical structure is made up of complex knots of gas, sometimes referred to as cometary knots. These knots are dense, molecular clumps that were shaped by the intense radiation from the central star.
Colors: The vibrant colors of the nebula, often seen in images, come from the different elements present. Hydrogen emits red light, while oxygen emits a greenish-blue hue.
Formation: The Helix Nebula was formed when a dying star, similar to our Sun, ejected its outer layers into space at the end of its life. The remaining core became the white dwarf at the center.
Scientific Importance: As one of the closest planetary nebulae, the Helix Nebula provides astronomers with a valuable opportunity to study the late stages of stellar evolution. It offers insights into how stars like our Sun will evolve and eventually die.
Instruments:
Telescope: 10" Ritchey-Chrétien RCOS
Camera: SBIG STL-11000 Mono
Mount: Astro-Physics AP-900
Focal Length: 2310.00 mm
Pixel size: 9.00 um
Resolution: 0.82 arcsec/pix
Exposures:
Lum 111 X 900
Red 58 X 380
Green 49 X 380
Blue 58 X 380
Ha 61 X 1200
OIII 61 X 1200
Total exposure: 82.83 Hours
Thanks for looking
Helix Nebula - NGC 7293
The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is a large planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius, approximately 650 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the closest and best-known examples of this type of nebula. The nebula's stunning, eye-like appearance has made it a favourite target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.
I tried this target many years ago and wanted to have another go and do it some justice. I grabbed a bucket load of data to see what the result would be. I love the teal colouring of the core. This wonderful colour is often removed during the processing stage, and this is something I wanted to retain in the final rendition. It’s such a lovely colour.
If you look closely, many tiny galaxies can be found throughout the field. There is even an interacting galaxy around the 3:30-4:00 o’clock position from the central star of the planetary (right where the dimmer nebula is fading to the background). The colourful stars add a nice balance.
Key Characteristics:
Shape and Appearance: The Helix Nebula resembles a giant, colourful eye, with a bright central region surrounded by a faint, extended halo. The inner part of the nebula is dense and consists of gases such as hydrogen and oxygen, while the outer regions are more diffuse.
Central Star: At the heart of the Helix Nebula is a white dwarf, the remnant of the star that created the nebula after shedding its outer layers. This white dwarf is extremely hot and emits intense ultraviolet radiation, which ionizes the surrounding gas and causes the nebula to glow.
Size and Structure: It spans about 2.5 light-years across, and its physical structure is made up of complex knots of gas, sometimes referred to as cometary knots. These knots are dense, molecular clumps that were shaped by the intense radiation from the central star.
Colors: The vibrant colors of the nebula, often seen in images, come from the different elements present. Hydrogen emits red light, while oxygen emits a greenish-blue hue.
Formation: The Helix Nebula was formed when a dying star, similar to our Sun, ejected its outer layers into space at the end of its life. The remaining core became the white dwarf at the center.
Scientific Importance: As one of the closest planetary nebulae, the Helix Nebula provides astronomers with a valuable opportunity to study the late stages of stellar evolution. It offers insights into how stars like our Sun will evolve and eventually die.
Instruments:
Telescope: 10" Ritchey-Chrétien RCOS
Camera: SBIG STL-11000 Mono
Mount: Astro-Physics AP-900
Focal Length: 2310.00 mm
Pixel size: 9.00 um
Resolution: 0.82 arcsec/pix
Exposures:
Lum 111 X 900
Red 58 X 380
Green 49 X 380
Blue 58 X 380
Ha 61 X 1200
OIII 61 X 1200
Total exposure: 82.83 Hours
Thanks for looking