Astronomy: Helix Nebula

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Helix Nebula The Helix Nebula (also known as NGC 7293 or Caldwell 63) is a planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding, most likely before 1824, this object is one of the closest of all the bright planetary nebulae to Earth.

Commentary

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Helix Nebula The Helix Nebula (also known as NGC 7293 or Caldwell 6 3) is a planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding, most likely before 1824, this object is one of the closest of all the bright planetary nebulae to Earth. The distance, measured by the Gaia mission, is 655±13 light-years.

Commentary

Source: Internal

Why Helix Nebula matters: Stars are the engines of the cosmos -- they forge the chemical elements, light up ga laxies, and create the conditions that make planets and life possible. It is similar in appearance to the Cat's Eye Nebula and the Ring Nebula, whose size, age, and physical characteristics are in turn similar to the Dumbbell Nebula, differing only in their relative proximity and the appearance from the equatorial viewing angle. The Helix Nebula has sometimes been referred to as the "Eye of God" in pop culture, as well as the "Eye of Sauron".

Commentary

Source: Internal

Deep dive: Helix Nebula The Helix Nebula has sometimes been referred to as the "Eye of God" in pop culture, as well as the "Eye of Sauron". Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helix_Nebula (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)