Gemini Observatory has published a stunning picture of the Planetary Nebula CVMP 1. This leaned over hourglass shape was formed by a star similar to our Sun or perhaps a bit bigger that puffed off its outer atmosphere toward the end of its life, and then collapsed down to leave a cooling white dwarf in its place. This white dwarf is currently 130,000 degrees Celsius and gives off enough high energy light to ionize the gas you’re seeing. As the white dwarf cools, this nebula will eventually fade away, but for now it can be seen in striking detail in this new image from the Gemini South telescope in Chile. From formation to death, it’s thought planetary nebula may persist for only 10,000 years, and scientists studying this image believe that CVMP 1 may be an elder planetary nebula that will allow scientists to study the latter millennia of Planetary nebulae evolution. 

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Gemini South telescope captures exquisite planetary nebula (NationalAstro.org)