Editing Helix Nebula (section)

==General information==
The Helix Nebula is an example of a planetary nebula, formed by an intermediate to low-mass star, which sheds its outer layers near the end of its evolution. Gases from the star in the surrounding space appear, from Earth's perspective, a [[helix]] structure. The remnant central stellar core, known as the central star (CS) of the planetary nebula, is destined to become a [[white dwarf]] star. The observed glow of the central star is so energetic that it causes the previously expelled gases to brightly [[fluoresce]].

The nebula is in the constellation of [[Aquarius (constellation)|Aquarius]], and lies about 650 [[light-year]]s away, spanning about 0.8 [[parsec]]s (2.5 light-years). Its age is estimated to be {{val|10600|+2300|-1200}} years, based on the ratio of its size to its measured expansion rate of 31&nbsp;km·s<sup>−1</sup>.<ref name="ODelletal2002" />