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. The distance, measured by the Gaia mission, is 655±13 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. The Helix Nebula has sometimes been referred to as the "Eye of God" in pop culture, as well as the "Eye of Sauron".

For the different but similarly named nebula, see Double Helix Nebula.
"Eye of God" redirects here. For the religious symbol, see All-Seeing Eye of God. For other uses, see Eye of God (disambiguation).
Helix Nebula, NGC 7293
Emission nebula
Planetary nebula
NGC 7293 seen through several visible filters by Hubble Space Telescope
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension22h 29m 38.55s
Declination−20° 50′ 13.6″
Distance200±1 pc (650±3) ly
Apparent magnitude (V)+7.6
Apparent dimensions (V)25′
ConstellationAquarius
Physical characteristics
Radius2.87 ly (0.88 pc) ly
Notable featuresOne of the nearest PNe
DesignationsNGC 7293 Caldwell 63
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