The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is the closest planetary nebula to our Solar System, at about 690 light years away (although the distance is still a subject of some dispute). It is also the largest known, covering about half the apparent size of the moon.

Yet the Helix Nebula is fairly difficult to see as it appears as a wispy circular patch of cosmic fluff. The object is best seen in binoculars or low-power telescopes: binoculars.

To find The Helix Nebula start at zeta Aquarii and drop straight south 21º (three fields of view). Sigma Aquarii will be crossed at exactly the half-way point.
   You can make a naked-eye estimation of its location: the nebula is found nearly equidistant between two stars of almost equal brightness: upsilon Aqr toward the east (5.2) and 47 Aqr (5.1) west and slightly southwest.