The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebula to Earth and one of the largest planetary Nebula discovered so far.
This planetary nebula was formed when a dying star (white dwarf) shed it's outer atmosphere, which is now expanding out in a large ring at a rate of 25KM per second. Our Sun is expected to do the same in about 5 billion years.
While the nebula is very large, covering over half the size of the full moon, it's surface brightness is very dim and thus not an easy target to photograph. It was almost invisible in the camera!
The Helix Nebula in Aquarius (NGC7293)
