Helix Nebula
NGC 7293
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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About Helix Nebula
Description
The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is the nearest bright planetary nebula to Earth, at about 650 light-years away in Aquarius. It spans nearly half a degree (close to the apparent size of the full Moon) and displays a stunning ring structure in photographs, earning it the nickname "Eye of God."
Observing Tips
Despite being the closest bright planetary nebula, its large size gives it low surface brightness. Best in binoculars or a wide-field telescope at low power with an OIII filter. Requires dark skies. Best in autumn from locations with low southern horizon.
History
Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding before 1824. The Helix was one of the first planetary nebulae to be studied in detail, and its proximity makes it a Rosetta Stone for understanding planetary nebula physics.
Fun Facts
Deep images reveal thousands of cometary knots — tadpole-shaped clumps of gas each about the size of our solar system — streaming away from the central star. The Helix contains at least 20,000 of these features.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: The HST data are from proposal 9700. Processed images may be obtained from the Helix MAST web site. The Hubble Helix Team includes M. Meixner, H.E. Bond, G. Chapman (STScI), Y.-H. Chu (U. Illinois, Ur.... License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026