The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Aquarius. At approximately 655 light-years from Earth, it is one of the closest of the bright planetary nebulae.

The planetary nebula is formed by the shedding of the outer layers of its central star near the end of its evolution. The energy from the central star causes the expelled gases to fluoresce.

High resolution image and technical details on Telescopius: https://telescopius.com/pictures/view/201732/deep_sky/ngc-7293/helix-nebula/by-drgfreeman

Image license: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

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