NGC7293 - The Helix Nebula

(click image for highest resolution available)

The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) resides in the constellation Aquarius and is dubbed the "Eye of God". It is one of the closest of all planetary nebula at a distance of approximately 450 light years and is about half the size of a full moon. Despite its size, the light is spread over a large area making it a difficult object for visual observation. The nebula displays different ionisation levels of ejected matter from the dying central star. The inner blue hue indicates the presence of excited oxygen atoms, while the vibrant outer structure consists of hydrogen and nitrogen atoms.

This image a SII:Ha:OIII composite mapped as RGB respectively. Data acquired by Alvin Jeng on the Lightbuckets 24" RCOS.

Optics	RCOS 24" F/8 (4876 mm FL)
Camera	Apogee Alta U42 - 2x2 bin (image scale 1.14 arcsec/pix)
Mount	RCOS Professional Series Equatorial Fork
Exposure	Total exposure time: 3.5 hours (SII:90min,Ha:60min,OIII:60min)
Date	02/07/2008

Processing by Jason Jennings, www.cosmicphotos.com

24RC LightBuckets / New Mexico