24 Dec 2025
The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is a nearby planetary nebula in the constellation Aquarius, formed by a dying sun-like star shedding its outer layers, revealing a central white dwarf and creating a striking "Eye of God" appearance with glowing gas rings and comet-like filaments. Located about 650 light-years away, it's a popular target for astronomers, showing a complex 3D structure that resembles a tunnel or cylinder viewed end-on, with its vibrant colors representing elements like oxygen (blue) and hydrogen/nitrogen (red). Over 26 hours of narrowband data from the CHI-1 CMOS Telescope Live observatory in Chile. Pre and Post processed in Pixinsight, with final touches in Paintshop Pro for clarity and vibrancy.
NGC 7293
13 credit
Filter | Avg Exp (s) | Total Exposure | Subframes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halpha | 800 | 10h | 45 |
| Luminance | 193 | 2h25m | 45 |
| Blue | 173 | 2h10m | 45 |
| Green | 164 | 2h | 44 |
| Red | 164 | 2h | 44 |