Planetary 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…
Can You Spot a Planetary Nebula from a Few Blurry Pixels? Astronomers Can – Here’s How
A planetary nebula is one of the most beautiful objects in the universe. Formed from the decaying remnants of a…
Messier 76 – the NGC 650/651 Planetary Nebula
Located in the Perseus constellation, about 2,500 light years from Earth, is the planetary nebula known as Messier 76.
Binary Stars Orbiting Each Other INSIDE a Planetary Nebula
An international team of astronomers recently observed an unexpected sight, a binary star system that is set to collide and…