Planetary nebulae are glowing shells of gas and dust formed when a dying star sheds its outer layers. These beautiful celestial objects are characterized by their round or elliptical shapes, resembling planetary disks, hence the name. Once a red giant, the central star is now exposed, illuminating the ejected material, creating a stunning display of colours. Planetary nebulae play a crucial role in recycling elements, as they release enriched material back into space, which can eventually contribute to the formation of new stars and planetary systems. They provide valuable insights into stellar evolution and the fate of stars like our Sun.

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About the speaker: Owen Brazell

Owen Brazell has been observing the deep sky for 55 years or so. He obtained a degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of St Andrews and is currently the president of the Webb Society and has been the assistant director of the BAA Deep Sky section for over 25 years until standing down. He writes a monthly deep sky challenge column for Astronomy Now and a Galaxy of the Month for the Webb societies web page. He currently observes using large Dobsonians and is a visual observer.