Helix Nebula - NGC 7293

Here is a shot of the Helix Nebula taken from the mountains just east of San Diego. There was a fortunate conspiracy of good seeing, clear skies and good guiding for this image. In addition to RGB exposures, I took both H-Alpha and broadband luminance (with IR/UV blocking filter). I am glad I did both the H-Alpha and Luminance - their blended result produced a better image than either separately. A full size image and exposure / processing details are at:

http://jthommes.com/Astro/Helix.htm

Scope C8 @f/4.8
Artemis285 H-Alpha, IR/UV Blocking, RGB filter exposures
G11/Gemini
Guiding - Megrez II at 1350 mm FL, DSI Pro, PHD Guiding

I have imaged this object a couple of time previously. Those images can be seen here:

2005: http://jthommes.com/MiscAstro/Archives/Helix.htm

2003: http://jthommes.com/MiscAstro/Archives/HelixA.htm
(Caution, this one may hurt the eyes)

Jim,

Beautiful result .... this one IS a keeper!

Anthony.

Nice one Jim,
Wish it were a little higher here, but maybe soon I can take a shot at that object with the new setup.

Hi Jim

Excellent work !

That's an excellent Helix Jim.

Greg.

Jim,

I've always liked this one,your rendition here is excellent.
The color looks spot on,nice details too!

Great job,

Jason

hi Jim,

thats ia a grewat result on that nebula!
having seen the earlier versions, the recent one knocks me out of my socks!
clarity on the subtile "drops" near the core is terrific!
but I really LOVE the blue of the centra lstar!
that is right on!
wonderful!

Fantastic image Jim!

I would add some data though to improve signal in the outer areas of the nebula: it would be spectacular with a couple of more hours here and there

Ciao Jim

Luca

Wow, really nice Jim. Keep em coming...

Jeff

Thanks for the kind comments folks.