Description of object: The planetary nebula NGC 7293, found in Aquarius, is also known as the Helix Nebula. Of the planetary nebulae found on this site the Helix has the largest angular size and the lowest surface brightness, making it a challenge under all but the darkest skies.

Image Information: 22:45 September 3, 2002. The image was created from sum stacking  twenty 18-second exposure images.

Moon Illumination: 12%

Telescope and Camera Information: Meade 12in. f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain with an Apogee AP6E CCD camera.