The Helix Nebula is a mesmerizing celestial object often dubbed the “Eye of God.” It is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. This cosmic wonder is approximately 700 light-years away. It is a remnant of a dying star. Our Sun will eventually become similar.   

As a star ages, it sheds its outer layers, creating a stunning display of gas and dust. In the case of the Helix Nebula, this expelled material forms intricate patterns, resembling a giant, ethereal eye. The bright central region is a white dwarf star. It serves as the core of the former star. The surrounding gas glows brightly due to the intense radiation the central region emits.   

The below image is an additional 1 hour of data compared to the above image. Not much more detail has been developed, but the detail that is present is finer with less color noise.

Additional data on this target is bringing out much more details, there are some fainter outer dust that isn’t coming through. The below image you can just make it out on the right side of the nebula. This required 300 second exposures. I will attempt to gather some more longer exposures to further enhance these details.

The Helix Nebula’s intricate structure and vibrant colors make it a popular target for astronomers and astrophotographers alike.It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of stellar evolution and the breathtaking beauty of the cosmos.