The Helix Nebula (also known as Caldwell 63 or NGC 7293 or the Eye of God) is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. This object is one of the closest of all the bright planetary nebulae to Earth.
The Caldwell catalog consists 109 star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies for observation by amateur astronomers. The list was compiled by Patrick Moore as a complement to the Messier catalog.
Viewing Location – Lone Pine, CA
- Lat/Lon: 36.5975, -118.1853
- Sky Magnitude: 21.65 magnitudes/square arcsecond
- Sky Luminance: 0.176 mcd/m2
- Bortle Scale: 2 (average dark sky) equal to a Sky Magnitude between 21.99–21.89
Observation
- Catalog Designation: Caldwell 63, NGC 7293.
- Celestial Coordinates: RA 22h 29m 39s | Dec -20° 50′ 14″
- Observation Duration: 1 night, 819 x 10sec = 136 minutes
- CCD temperature in degrees Celsius: 12
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Surrounding Constellation – Aquarius
Aquarius is an equatorial constellation, between Capricornus and Pisces. It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations.
