About Helix Nebula (C63)

Helix Nebula is frequently observed by amateur astronomers and presents itself as a diffuse object. It has moderate brightness.

Current visibility

It is currently below the horizon.

It stays above 30° for roughly 8 hours.

Nebulae benefit from filters, contrast improves away from light pollution.

Observing tips

It can be challenging under typical skies.

What to expect

In small telescopes it remains mostly unresolved.

Type

Planetary Nebula

Constellation

Aquarius

Distance

655 ly

Size

Season

Summer

Difficulty

Hard

Magnitude

7.3