What exposed stellar core causes the surrounding gas in a planetary nebula to glow brightly?
Answer
A white dwarf
A planetary nebula forms after a star has passed through its red giant phase and gently blown away its outer layers of gas and dust. The remaining stellar core, which is extremely hot and dense, is exposed at the center of this expanding shell. This exposed core, known as a white dwarf, emits intense ultraviolet radiation that ionizes the surrounding ejected gas. The subsequent de-excitation of these energized gas atoms causes the entire structure of the planetary nebula to glow brightly, making it visible for astronomical observation.
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