March of Asteroids Across Dying Star
Quiet Stargazing

March of Asteroids Across Dying Star

Explore the profound quiet of the universe through NASA's high-resolution archives. Perfect for your stargazing journey.

Celestial Log

NASA Observation

A dying star, called the Helix nebula, is shown surrounded by the tracks of asteroids in an image captured by NASA WISE. Skirting around the edges of the Helix nebula are the footprints of asteroids marching across the field of view.
Expedition

Experience the serenity of the cosmos

Discover nebula-themed journey sites designed for peaceful observation.

Knowledge Base

Stargazer FAQ

Are the colors in this nebula image real?

NASA often uses 'false color' techniques. Scientists map invisible wavelengths (like infrared) or specific gases to visible colors (red, green, blue) to highlight the nebula's structural details.

Can I see this nebula with a standard telescope?

While some bright nebulas are visible with entry-level telescopes, capturing these stunning details usually requires deep-sky astrophotography equipment and long exposures.