Planetary Nebula

A planetary nebula is a glowing shell of gas and dust that is expelled by a dying star similar in size to our Sun. When such a star exhausts its fuel, it sheds its outer layers into space, creating a beautiful, often colorful, nebula. The exposed core, now a hot, dense white dwarf, emits intense ultraviolet light that ionizes the surrounding gas, causing it to glow brightly. These nebulae are temporary in astronomical terms, lasting tens of thousands of years, and they contribute to enriching space with elements essential for new star and planet formation.