planetary nebula

Latest about planetary nebula

An array of planetary nebula as seen in X-ray and optical light.

Weird cosmic object identified as the remains of an exploded dead star

By Robert Lea published

A distant cosmic object that has puzzled astronomers since 2005 has turned out to be the remains of a dying star that lost its outer layers in a massive supernova explosion.

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An image of the nebula IC 2220 shed by a dying red dwarf star as seen by the Gemini south telescope

An ancient red giant star created a rare 'bipolar' nebula as it died (photo)

By Robert Lea published

A dying red giant star and the remains of a stellar companion it shredded long ago have created a rare and short-lived planetary nebula that resembles an overflowing cosmic jug.

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NGC 6891

Hubble telescope spots a complex cloud of gas expanding into space

By Elizabeth Howell published

The planetary nebula includes an intricate network of filaments and knots.

Hubble Space Telescope
Running Man Nebula

Shock! Hubble telescope traces collisions in 'Running Man' nebula

By Elizabeth Howell published

Baby stars in a nebula create a series a powerful shockwaves visible in a new Hubble Space Telescope image.

Hubble Space Telescope
A new image of the Necklace Nebula created by the combination of several exposures from Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3.

Distant star drowns its partner in gas, forming gorgeous 'Necklace Nebula'

By Brandon Specktor published

NASA shared an image of the stunning Necklace Nebula, created by two stars locked in a dance of mutually assured destruction.

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In this new image from the Hubble Space Telescope, what looks like a top-down view of a jellyfish glowing in deep space is actually the planetary nebula NGC 2022. The cosmic orb of ionized gas was expelled from a dying red giant star located at its center. As the star sheds material into space, its core shrinks and grows hotter while emitting ultraviolet radiation that illuminates its gassy shell.

Hubble Spots Purple 'Jellyfish' Star Glowing in Abyss of Deep Space

By Elizabeth Howell published

The latest Hubble image appears to capture a cosmic jellyfish floating in space, but in reality this structure is no living creature.

Hubble Space Telescope
Scientists have detected the universe's first molecule, helium hydride, in a distant planetary nebula called NGC 7027.

Astronomers Finally Spot Universe's First Molecule in Distant Nebula

By Samantha Mathewson published

A flying observatory has pinpointed the first type of molecule that formed in the universe after the Big Bang.

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october sky

Seeing the Best Night-Sky Sights of Autumn Using Mobile Apps

By Chris Vaughan published

Early autumn brings ideal conditions for stargazing.

Skywatching Kit
Planetary nebula NGC 3918

Celestial 'Eye' Stares Back at Earth in Dazzling Hubble Telescope Photo

By Doris Elin Urrutia published

Many people enjoy gazing at the night sky, and once in a while, something up there appears to look right back at us.

Hubble Space Telescope
NGC 6818

This Strange Nebula Looks Inside Out and Born-Again

By Doris Elin Urrutia published

The nebula of a dying star has a "inside-out" appearance, scientists announced in a new study. And this may be the outcome that awaits our sun.

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