The Helix Nebula is a Planetary Nebula that is located in our Milky Way galaxy at a distance of about 650 light years.  
The Helix Nebula is the result of a star that is "dying".  As the star "dies" it throws of gas and dust from it's outer layers. The UV radiation from the remainder of the star causes the epanding outer layer to glow (red in this image). 
The Helix Nebula is the closest Planetary Nebula to earth.