NGC7293 Helix Nebula Also known as the "Eye of God", the Helix Nebula is a planetary nebula formed when a star expired and gave off gases which then became energized by the star in the center. At 700 light-years from Earth, it is one of the closest bright planetary nebulas. Spanning over 2 light-years across, it's age is about 10,000 years. North is at the top-right. Scope/Mount: AstroTech AT8RC 8" F8 Ritchey-Chretien with CCDT67 Focal Reducer, Celestron CI-700 Mount Camera: Orion StarShoot Pro V2 one-shot color Guiding: QHY5L-IIM through Orion Deluxe OAG, PHD guiding software Exposure: (15) 10 min Software: Nebulosity, PhotoShop CS2 Comment: 09-18-15, Tierra del Sol, CA, good conditions.