The Helix Nebula

The Helix Nebula, also known as NGC 7293 or Caldwell 63 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. This object is one of the closest to the Earth of all the bright planetary nebulae, and it’s distance, measured by the Gaia mission, is apx. 650 light-years away. It is similar in appearance to the Cat’s Eye Nebula and the Ring Nebula, whose size, age, and physical characteristics are very similar Gases from the star in the surrounding space appear, from our vantage point, as if we are looking down a helix structure, hence its name.  The Helix Nebula has sometimes been referred to as the “Eye of God as well as the “Eye of Sauron”.