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Planetary Nebulae

"Planetary nebulae (PNe) occupy a pivotal position in several branches of modern astrophysics. They are the chief source in the Universe of carbon, the basic constituent of life, and of s-process elements, which in the solar system, dominate the abundances of elements heavier than the iron-group. In terms of stellar evolution, PNe provide a link between the last ascent of the red giant branch (the asymptotic giant branch, or AGB) and the white dwarf end-point to the life of low- and intermediate-mass stars. PNe enrich the surrounding interstellar medium and directly influence the next generation of star formation, thus having important implications for galactic evolution." -- UCL Department of Physics & Astronomy - Astrophysics Group

Soap Bubble Nebula (PN G75.5+1.7)Soap Bubble Planetary Nebulae, PN G75.5+1.7
Abell 39Abell 39 Planetary Nebulae
Ant Nebula (Menzel 3)Ant Planetary Nebulae, Menzel 3
IC 4406IC 4406 Planetary NebulaeIC 4406 Planetary Nebulae
Little Ghost Nebula (NGC 6369)Little Ghost Planetary Nebula, NGC 6369
Credit: Copyright image reproduced with the permission of Paul & Liz Downing
Little Ghost Planetary Nebula, NGC 6369
Eskimo NebulaEskimo Planetary Nebula
Eight-Burst or Southern Ring Nebula (NGC 3132)Eight-Burst or Southern Ring Nebula, NGC 3132
Red Spider Nebula (NGC 6537)Red Spider Nebula, NGC 6537 Red Spider Nebula, NGC 6537
Bug Nebula (NGC 6302)Bug Planetary Nebula, NGC 6302 Bug Planetary Nebula, NGC 6302
Ring Nebula (M57)Ring Planetary Nebula, M57 Ring Planetary Nebula, M57
Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)The Infrared Helix Planetary Nebula Helix Planetary Nebula, NGC 7293
Credit: ESO
Helix Planetary Nebula, NGC 7293 Helix Planetary Nebula, NGC 7293
Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543)Cat's Eye Planetary Nebula, NGC 6543
Click here watch a short video about the Cat's Eye Nebula.



Resources and Galleries: AOP Planetary Nebula, Chandra Images by Category: White Dwarfs & Planetary Nebulas, ESO Tag: Nebula, NOAO Image Gallery: Planetary Nebulae, Paul and Liz Downing's Nebula Image Page, Hubbel Gallery Planetary Nebula.