NGC 7293 is the Helix Nebula, a large planetary nebula in the constellation of Aquarius.

At a distance of 700 light-years, the Helix is one of the closest planetary nebulae, which is why it appears so large to us.

Note the blue color of the super-hot central star in the Helix. It has a magnitude of 13.5.

The Helix nebula itself shines at magnitude 6.3, but it has a relatively low surface brightness because of its large size of 18.5 arcminutes. It can, however, be seen in binoculars from a reasonably dark observing site. It has a true size of 3.25 light-years in space.

NGC 7293 was discovered by Karl Ludwig Harding in 1824.

North is to the top in the above image.

NGC 7293 Catalogs: NGC 7293, PK 36-57.1 Common Name: Helix, Sunflower Object Type: Planetary Nebula Magnitude: 7.3v Size: 18.5' Constellation: Aquarius Image Field Centered At: RA: 22h 29m 39s Dec: -20° 50' 05"