![Composite picture of the Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), combining three images taken by the Hubble …[Credits : Photo AURA/STScI/NASA/JPL (NASA photo # STScI-PRC95-01a)]](http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/36/21236-003-CC938BFC.gif)
The gaseous clouds known as planetary nebulae are only superficially similar to other types of nebulae. So called because the smaller varieties almost resemble planetary disks when viewed through a telescope, planetary nebulae represent a stage at the end of the stellar life cycle rather than one at the beginning. The distribution of such nebulae in the Galaxy is different from that of H II regions. Planetary nebulae belong to an intermediate population and are found throughout the disk and the inner halo. There are slightly more than 1,000 known planetary nebulae in the Galaxy, but many might be overlooked because of obscuration in the Milky Way region.
Milky-Way-Galaxy-as-seen-from-EarthMilky Way Galaxy as seen from Earth[Credits : © Dirk Hoppe]
Bright-nebulosity-in-the-Pleiades-distance-490-light-yearsBright nebulosity in the Pleiades (M45, NGC 1432), distance 490 light-years.[Credits : Hale Observatories ©1961]
Centre-of-the-Orion-Nebula-Astronomers-have-identified-some-700Centre of the Orion Nebula (M42).[Credits : Photo AURA/STScI/NASA/JPL (NASA photo # STScI-PRC95-45a)]
Composite-picture-of-the-Cats-Eye-Nebula-combining-three-imagesComposite picture of the Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), combining three images taken by the Hubble …[Credits : Photo AURA/STScI/NASA/JPL (NASA photo # STScI-PRC95-01a)]
The-Crab-Nebula-which-was-formed-by-a-supernova-explosionThe Crab Nebula, which was formed by a supernova explosion recorded in 1054. This image was made by …[Credits : NASA]
The-Eagle-NebulaThe Eagle Nebula. Stars are forming in this column of cold dust and gas, which is 9.5 light-years …[Credits : NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)]
Horsehead-NebulaHorsehead Nebula[Credits : © Anglo-Australian Observatory]
Globular-cluster-NGC-1850-in-the-Large-Magellanic-CloudGlobular cluster NGC 1850 in the Large Magellanic Cloud.[Credits : Photo AURA/STScI/NASA/JPL (NASA photo # STScI-PRC94-40)]
Our solar system is just a miniscule part of a much larger system called the Milky Way Galaxy.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
The universe is made up of many stars, solar systems, and galaxies.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
Using their telescope, the brother and sister team of William and Caroline Herschel discovered the …[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
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