NGC 7293

Planetary Nebula NGC 7293 (= Bennett 129 = Caldwell 63) in Aquarius

The Helix Nebula

[7293aat.gif]
Right Ascension 22 : 29.6 (h:m)
Declination -20 : 48 (deg:m)
Distance 0.45 (kly)
Visual Brightness 7.3 (mag)
Apparent Dimension 41 (arc min)

The Helix Nebula is the closest and apparently largest of all planetary nebulae. Lying at a distance of perhaps 450 light years, it is the only planetary nebula for which a parallax could be obtained by ground-based observations. Its apparent size covers an area of 41 arc minutes diameter, exceeding that of the moon by over 1/3. Although the nebula is quite bright, its light is spread over this large area so that it is not an easy object for visual observing; the Herschels have apparently never cataloged or observed it.

Our image was obtained by David Malin with the Anglo-Australian Telescope. This image is copyrighted and may be used for private purpose only. For any other kind of use, including internet mirroring and storing on CD-ROM, please contact Coral Cooksley of the Anglo Australian Observatory.

  • More information on thie image (David Malin)

    In the SAC 110 best NGC object list. No. 2 in the RASC Finest NGC Object list. In John Caldwell's list.

    Bill Arnett's Helix Nebula NGC 7293 photo page, info page.

    Hartmut Frommert (spider@seds.org)
    Christine Kronberg (smil@lrz.uni-muenchen.de)

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    Last Modification: 29 Mar 1998, 12:16