The Helix Nebula in Aquarius | Webb, Hubble & Spitzer Views

The Helix Nebula in Aquarius | Webb, Hubble & Spitzer Views

This video compares images of The Helix Nebula from three observatories: Hubble’s image in visible light, Spitzer’s infrared view, and Webb’s high-resolution near-infrared look.

Distance to Earth: ~655 light years

First spotted in the early 1800s, the Helix Nebula has become one of the most iconic planetary nebulas in the sky as it is recognized for its striking, ring-like shape. One of the closest planetary nebulas to Earth, it has become a favorite among astronomers using ground- and space-based telescopes to study the final moments of a dying star in the greatest detail. The NASA/European Space Agency/Canadian Space Agency James Webb Space Telescope has now leveled those studies up, offering the clearest infrared look at this familiar object.

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, NASA-JPL, SCC, A. Pagan (STScI)
Duration: 14 seconds
Release Date: Jan. 15, 2026

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