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Astronomy

The Formation of Planetary Nebulae from Dying Stars

Quick fact

Despite their name, planetary nebulae have no planets inside them. The name comes from their round glow that reminded early astronomers of distant gas planets like Uranus.

Why this is interesting

Every star like our Sun will eventually die, but the way it goes out gives birth to one of the most beautiful objects in the universe: a planetary nebula. Yet these glowing clouds have nothing to do with planets—so why do they look so familiar?