This planetary nebula is located about 5,000 light years away from us in the constellation Cygnus. Also known as ACO 78, PK 081-14.1, and ARO 174, Abell 78 is 2.8 light-years across. Its halo is made up mostly of hydrogen and its inner elliptical ring is made of helium.
"After depleting nuclear fuel in their cores, stars with a mass around 0.8 to 8 times the mass of our Sun collapse to form hot, dense white dwarf stars. As this process occurs, the dying star it will shed its outer layers of material, forming an elaborate cloud of gas and dust known as a planetary nebula, " explain the Hubble astronomers. "This phenomenon is not uncommon, and planetary nebulae are a popular focus for astrophotographers because of their beautiful and complex shapes."
Is this also Abell 78?
This planetary nebula is the result of a star that has been 'born again'. "Although the core of the star has stopped burning hydrogen and helium, a thermonuclear leak on its surface expels material at high speeds", causing filaments and the irregular layer around the star that we can see perfectly in this snapshot.
The image is a combination of several separate exposures and four filters at different wavelengths , hence the color determines different hues in this spectacular planetary nebula.
Other famous planetary nebulae: Ant, Insect, Cat's Eye or Hourglass Nebulae.
