Infrared/visible light comparison view of the Helix Nebula
This comparison shows a new view of the Helix Nebula acquired with the VISTA telescope in infrared light (left) and the more familiar view in visible light from the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope (right). The infrared vision of VISTA reveals strands of cold nebular gas that are mostly obscured in visible light images of the Helix.
Credit:ESO/VISTA/J. Emerson. Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit
About the Image
| Id: | eso1205d |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | 19 January 2012, 12:00 |
| Related releases: | eso1205 |
| Size: | 5224 x 2522 px |
About the Object
| Name: | Helix Nebula, NGC 7293 |
| Type: | Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Planetary |
| Distance: | 700 light years |
| Category: | Nebulae |
Image Formats
Wallpapers
Colours & filters
| Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared Y | 1.02 μm | Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM |
| Infrared J+Y | Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM | |
| Infrared K | 2.15 μm | Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM |
| Infrared K | 2.15 μm | Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM |
| Infrared J | 1.25 μm | Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM |