Planetary Nebula NGC 7293 (Helix Nebula) is loated in the constellation of Aquarius at a distance of
650 LY from Earth.  The central star which generated this nebula and causes it to shine is a hot white
dwarf.  A similar end awaits our sun in about 5 billion years when it uses up all it's nuclear fuel and
in the process, sheds it's outer layers into space.  During this event, our Earth will be vaporized.



September 2, 2006
Orion 80mm f/7.5 Apo Refractor - Baader IR Filter
Canon Digital Rebel 300D / Modified (Hap Griffin)
200 Minutes / 40x300s @ 800ASA
Manually guided on a 14" Meade LX200
Skyhawk Observatory, West Bend, WI
Rick Kazmierski