The Helix nebula

Maybe this is not the right time of the year to discuss the Helix nebula in Aquarius. However, this is one of the notable objects on my observation plan for the La Palma trip in September. Theoretically the Helix can be observed from home at +59 degrees, but I have never seen it or even looked for it, realising that it is quite difficult.
However, I believe it is easy to see from 28 degrees north. What I'm curious about is the amount of detail I can expect in the Helix. According to the observation guides I have available, it does not look annular when viewed through the eyepiece. Any comments to this? How does it react to filters? Any other interesting details?

Inge S

Inge,

It does look annular.

Dmitri

I think you will find that the helix is a somewhat dim object without an OIII filter and that it is greatly enhanced by the OIII. It is surprisingly large. The increase in what one sees with the OIII filter on the Helix rivals the increase one sees on the Veil with the same filter. The Helix may hold the distinction of being the largest planetary with an NGC number. It is certainly exceeded in subtended arc by some of the Abells and by Sharpless 2-216 in Perseus (100 arc minutes.) I have been unable to convincingly see Sh 2-216.

Inge,
I agree pretty much with all the other responses, but would like to raise the issue of observing not mererly the annularity but the helicity, or the wrap-around appearance where the two ends don't quite meet. I have never been able to see this, even in some very dark sites and in scopes as large as 20". I have read only one report of a visual sighting of this feature, with an 8" SCT, from a site I know as the best I have ever visited. That site is jet black on the light pollution map. I never tried the Helix from there. So, there's the real challenge, in my opinion.

You'll probably see the central star too, if you look. You WILL look, won't you?
Ron