Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) — nebula, explore its interactive 3D model in Cosmoscope.

Explore Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) in an interactive 3D view of space. Inspect its astronomical data and the observations or reconstructions behind the model.

The Helix is the expanding gas around a dying Sun-like star. Its familiar ring has depth when explored from other angles. This view follows the downloadable Chandra/INAF reconstruction, an impression informed by Hubble observations. Fine density and colour placement are illustrative.

Type

Planetary nebula

Distance

About 650 light-years

Displayed span

About 4 light-years

3D model

INAF/Salvatore Orlando · NASA/CXC/SAO

Structure

Hubble-informed interpretation, distributed as a Chandra 3D model

Appearance

Volumetric gas; small clumps and emission colours are illustrative

Explore Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) in 3D

Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is placed in three-dimensional space using catalogue coordinates and an adopted astronomical distance. Rotate and zoom to explore the model. Stellar surfaces, gas structure and dust depths may be reconstructed or illustrative, as described in its facts; this is not live imagery from a telescope.