Llavero Eye of God Helix Nebula Star Evolution Red Blue

The Helix Nebula or Eye of God is located in the Aquarius constellation, about 700 light years from Earth. It's formed by the expansion of a star in its final stages of evolution. The outer layers are shed, and the inner core becomes much hotter, emitting ultraviolet radiation. Reactions with the expanding outer layers cause a visible fog or nebula. The Eye of God can be seen from Earth, appearing as a faint greenish haze if viewed through binoculars. Eventually the star will become a white dwarf. The Helix Nebula is about 10,600 years old, and is 2.87 light years in diameter, expanding at a rate of up to 40 km (24.8 miles) per second.