GALEX Image

Helix Nebula

Helix Nebula

Ultraviolet image of the planetary nebula NGC 7293 also known as the Helix Nebula. It is the nearest example of what happens to a star, like our own Sun, as it approaches the end of its life when it runs out of fuel, expels gas outward and evolves into a much hotter, smaller and denser white dwarf star.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSC

Release Date

April 28, 2005

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