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Credit & Copyright: Don Goldman,
Sierra Remote Observatories
Explanation:
At first glance, the Helix Nebula
(aka
NGC 7293), looks simple and round.
But this well-studied example of a
planetary nebula, produced
near the end of the life of a sun-like star, is
now understood to have a surprisingly
complex geometry.
Its extended loops and comet-shaped features have been
explored in Hubble
Space Telescope images.
Still, a 16-inch diameter telescope and camera with broad and
narrow band
filters was used to create
this sharp view of the Helix.
The color composite also reveals the nebula's intriguing details,
including light-year long, bluegreen radial stripes or spokes that
give it the appearance of a cosmic bicycle wheel.
The spoke features seem to indicate that the Helix Nebula
is itself an old and
evolved
planetary nebula.
The Helix is a mere seven hundred light years from Earth,
in the constellation
Aquarius.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: planetary nebula - Helix Nebula - NGC 7293
Publications with words: planetary nebula - Helix Nebula - NGC 7293
See also:
- APOD: 2024 April 28 Á Rings Around the Ring Nebula
- APOD: 2024 February 12 Á HFG1 & Abell 6: Planetary Nebulae
- APOD: 2023 December 24 Á NGC 2440: Cocoon of a New White Dwarf
- APOD: 2023 October 3 Á MyCn 18: The Engraved Hourglass Planetary Nebula
- NGC 1360: The Robin's Egg Nebula
- APOD: 2023 May 7 Á The Helix Nebula from CFHT
- APOD: 2023 April 16 Á M2 9: Wings of a Butterfly Nebula