Helix Nebula - Infrared View from Spitzer Space Telescope #2223201 (License: Personal Use)

This infrared composite from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope highlights the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293), one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth at ~650 light-years away. The red central region represents warm molecular hydrogen and dust around the remnant white dwarf, while the teal outer rings trace cooler dust and ionized gas ejected during the star’s final evolutionary stages. Fine filamentary structures reveal shock fronts where stellar winds interact with interstellar material.

Used on astronomy education sites, NASA outreach pages, or space science blogs to illustrate stellar evolution, planetary nebula formation, or infrared astronomy capabilities. Matches user intent for learning about cosmic phenomena, telescope imaging, or high-resolution space imagery.