The “Helix” nebula in Aquarius. At 694 light years away this the closest planetary nebula. The double coil of radiating gas is expanding outward from the dying star in the center. “Cometary knots” can be seen inside the edge of the ring.

12 1/2″ Ritchey Chretien Telescope with a ST10XE/CFW8, F/6LRGB(45/7minBW, 10/5min2x2RGB. Scaled on MaximDL at R 1.0,G 1.0, B 1.6).