What is the true nature of structures termed a planetary nebula?

Answer

The final glowing shells ejected by dying, medium-sized stars

The term 'planetary nebula' is highly misleading because these structures have no actual connection to planets. They represent a specific phase in the stellar life cycle corresponding to the death of a medium-sized star. As the star exhausts its fuel, it expels its outer layers into space, forming this glowing shell. This process is the consequence of the star's end, contrasting sharply with the process of star birth occurring in nebulae where gas and dust are just beginning to condense to form massive stars. The white dwarf remains at the center of this ejected material.

What is the true nature of structures termed a planetary nebula?

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