Random article ( of 1127 ) Latest updates

User Tools

Site Tools


content / physics / cosmology / planetary_nebulae

Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of Unknowns Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of the Unknown

Planetary Nebulae structure

A Planetary Nebula is a type of 'emission nebula' seen in astronomical observations. They consist of an expanding, glowing shell of ionized gas which was ejected from 'red giant' stars at a late stage in their development.

About 20% of the nebulae are roughly spherical (as might be expected) but the majority are not spherically symmetric - some dramatically so. The mechanisms that produce such a wide variety of shapes and features have not yet been explained.

See: Wikipedia

For an example photo, see M57(a.k.a. NGC 6720) courtesy European Space Agency website.

NOTE: The term 'planetary nebula' originally used in the late 1770s, is a misnomer - they are unrelated to planets or exoplanets.

THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT USE TRACKING, ADVERTISING, OR ANALYTICAL COOKIES OF ANY KIND.
All essential cookies (for login status etc) are automatically deleted at the end of the session.
(full details here)

Show another (random) article

Suggestions for corrections and ideas for articles are welcomed : Get in touch!


Further resources :