Object Information                                            Imaging Details

The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebula at only about 650 l-y. It was discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding around 1824. It is estimated that the outer ring began expanding around 10,000 years ago.

The Helix Nebula is large (a bit larger than the full moon). Although it's magnitude is fairly high (6.5), its surface brightness is quite low making it difficult to observe. Dark skies and a large aperture telescope are required to see the nebula (although a few brighter regions may be seen through a moderate-size scope).

This image was taken in September 2008 from the White Sands Star Party with a Hyperstar 3-equipped C11.

Clicking on the image gives an image with a larger field of view.

Telescope:

Celestron NexStar GPS 11"