Back to Glossary
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"
NGC 4361: Galaxy Shaped Planetary Nebula
29/12/1995
Image Credit: NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
Glowing in the red light emitted by hydrogen atoms, the planetary nebula