El Cosmico

The Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, looks like a cosmic wreath swirling around a dying star. As this star fades, shedding its outer layers, it creates a nebula with an eerie blue-green center (thanks to oxygen emissions) and fiery red edges from hydrogen.

For the best view, head to the McDonald Observatory just outside Marfa, where this stunning spectacle reaches peak visibility in September and October.
If on view, the Helix Nebula will not appear as colorful or as magnified through McDonald Observatory telescopes as it does in this image.

Star facts courtesy of our friends