NGC 7293

NGC 7293 = PK 36-57.1 = Helical or Helix Nebula = PN G036.1-57.1
22 29 38.5 -20 50 13
V = 7.6;  Size 880"x720"

17.5" (10/2/99): gorgeous view at 100x and OIII filter.  This huge, annular PN 
is 15'x12' in size and slightly elongated E-W due to an extension on the W side.  
The thick annulus is mottled and irregular with brighter regions along the N, NE 
and SW edge.  The W side is slightly weaker but very faint extensions from the N 
and S side towards the W, cause the rim to bulge on this side.  The west edge of 
the halo more gradually blends into the background near a mag 11.5 star off the 
W side.  At 220x without a filter about a dozen stars are superimposed.  The mag 
13.5 star is easy along with a similar star a couple of arcmin following.

13" (8/1/82): the "Helix" nebula is extremely large, about 15' diameter, clearly 
annular.  Significant contrast gain with OIII filter permits observation even 
from the Bay Area. The fairly bright rim is nonuniform appearing brighter along 
the N side.  About seven stars are superimposed including the mag 13.5 central 
star.  Appears best at low power due to size and relative low surface 
brightness. Description from 8/15/82 and 8/5/83.

8": huge annular planetary is fairly bright at low power using a Daystar 300 
filter.  The rim has an irregular surface brightness.

- by Steve Gottlieb