The Helix Nebula, also known as The Helix, NGC 7293, is a large planetary nebula (PN) located in the constellation Aquarius. Discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding, probably before 1824, this object is one of the closest to the Earth of all the bright planetary nebulae. The estimated distance is about 215 parsecs or 700 light-years. It is similar in appearance to the Cat’s Eye Nebula and the Ring Nebula, whose size, age, and physical characteristics are similar to the Dumbbell Nebula, varying only in its relative proximity and the appearance from the equatorial viewing angle.

Imaging telescopes or lenses: Orion Optics UK SPX 250
Imaging cameras: Artemis Atik 383L+
Mounts: Vixen New Atlux + Skysensor 2000
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Orion Optics UK SPX 250
Guiding cameras: M-Gen Guiding Kamera
Focal reducers: GPU Komakorrektor
Software: DSS, Fitswork
Filters: Baader Planetarium 36mm Luminance, Baader Planetarium 36mm Red, Baader Planetarium 36mm Green, Baader Planetarium 36mm Blue
Accessories: Lacerta MGEN2, Lacerta OAG
Dates: Aug. 6, 2013, Aug. 7, 2013
Locations: Emberger Alm
Frames:
Baader Planetarium 36mm Blue: 5×360″ -15C bin 1×1
Baader Planetarium 36mm Green: 5×360″ -15C bin 1×1
Baader Planetarium 36mm Luminance: 10×360″ -15C bin 1×1
Baader Planetarium 36mm Red: 6×360″ -15C bin 1×1
Integration: 2.6 hours
Darks: ~4
Flats: ~25

Author: Stefan Westphal
AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI 29 Aug 2014