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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"

The Eye of an Hourglass Nebula

The Eye of an Hourglass Nebula

09/02/1996

Searchlight Beams from the Egg Nebula

Searchlight Beams from the Egg Nebula

29/01/1996

MyCn18: An Hourglass Nebula

MyCn18: An Hourglass Nebula

18/01/1996

NGC 7027: A Dying Star's Nebula

NGC 7027: A Dying Star's Nebula

17/01/1996

NGC 4361: Galaxy Shaped Planetary Nebula

NGC 4361: Galaxy Shaped Planetary Nebula

29/12/1995

Shapley 1: An Annular Planetary Nebula

Shapley 1: An Annular Planetary Nebula

12/12/1995

NGC 5189: A Strange Planetary Nebula

NGC 5189: A Strange Planetary Nebula

11/12/1995

NGC 2440 Nucleus: The Hottest Star?

NGC 2440 Nucleus: The Hottest Star?

30/11/1995

M27: The Dumbbell Nebula

M27: The Dumbbell Nebula

29/07/1995

M57: The Ring Nebula

M57: The Ring Nebula

27/07/1995

The Cat's Eye Nebula

The Cat's Eye Nebula

28/06/1995