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Stellar Shot of the Week

SVX102T - Helix Nebula

March 12, 2026 - Paul Shortt

Paul Shortt caught this sublime shot of the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) in Aquarius with his SVX102T. This planetary nebula rests approximately 650 light-years away from Earth and spans roughly 2.5 light-years across. This object’s central star has an energetic glow, causing the previously expelled gases to brightly fluoresce around it. Expansion of the entire nebula structure is estimated to have occurred in the last 12,100 years, and 6,560 years for the inner disk.

Other Designations: Helix Nebula, NGC 7293, Caldwell 63.

Details: Telescope: SVX102T

Focuser: 3" FeatherTouch
Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
Mount: ZWO AM5

References:

Wikipedia contributors. (2026, February 26). Helix Nebula. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helix_Nebula