Planetary Nebula

An expanding shell of ionized gas ejected from a red giant star in the late stages of stellar evolution. Despite the name, it has no connection to planets. The glowing gas is illuminated by the hot core of the dying star.

Source: science.nasa.gov

APODs including "Planetary Nebula"

Between Scylla and Charybdis: A Double Cosmic Discovery

09/06/2025

NGC 6302: The Butterfly Nebula

06/06/2025

NGC 1360: The Robin's Egg Nebula

14/05/2025

IC 418: The Spirograph Nebula

27/04/2025

NGC 6164: A Dragon's Egg

24/04/2025

Halo of the Cat's Eye

16/04/2025

Planetary Nebula NGC 1514 from Webb

15/04/2025

Planetary Nebula Abell 7

07/03/2025

M27: The Dumbbell Nebula

30/12/2024

Near to the Heart Nebula

17/12/2024

The Medusa Nebula

22/11/2024

NGC 7293: The Helix Nebula

24/10/2024