Planetary Nebula
See the Southern Ring Nebula in 3D
Planetary nebula are some of nature's most stunning visual displays. The name is confusing since they're the remains of stars,…
When the Sun Dies, it Could Produce a Fantastic Ring in Space, Like This New Image From JWST
We recently got a new image of the famous Ring Nebula from JWST using its NIRCam instrument. This week we…
A Dying Red Giant Star has Thrown Out Giant Symmetrical Loops of Gas and Dust
The Gemini South telescope has captured a new image of the glowing nebula IC 2220. Nicknamed the Toby Jug Nebula,…
Each Planetary Nebula is Unique. Why Do They Look So Different?
When it comes to cosmic eye candy, planetary nebulae are at the top of the candy bowl. Like fingerprints—or maybe…
The Formation of the Southern Ring Nebula was Messier Than the Death of a Single Star
Astronomers have learned a planetary nebula had a much more complex origin than originally thought.
ESO Finds the Ghostly Image of a Dying Star
Astronomical images never cease to delight, and the European Southern Observatory's image of the Vela nebula is no exception. (more…)
20 Years of Hubble Photos Show how the Stingray Nebula is Fading
The Stingray Nebula is the youngest known planetary nebula. For half a century astronomers have witnessed its formation, and now…
New Hubble Photos of Planetary Nebulae
Planetary nebulae are astronomy's gateway drug. Their eye-catching forms make us wonder what process created them, and what else is…
Planets Started Out From Dust Clumping Together. Here’s How
A new study by a team of German physicists and an American biomedical engineer has solved a long-standing problem in…
This Star Has Reached the End of its Life
About 10,000 light years away, in the constellation Centaurus, is a planetary nebula called NGC 5307. A planetary nebula is…