"For the sage, time is only of significance in that within it the steps of becoming can unfold in clearest sequence."

— I Ching

Neblua

Dimming stars, erupting plasma, and beautiful nebulae


Dimming stars, erupting plasma, and beautiful nebulae

By Marcus Woo

 

Boasting intricate patterns and translucent colors, planetary nebulae are among the most beautiful sights in the universe. How they got their shapes is complicated, but astronomers think they've solved part of the mystery—with giant blobs of plasma shooting through space at half a million miles per hour.

Planetary nebulae are shells of gas and dust blown off from a dying, giant star. Most nebulae aren't spherical, but can have multiple lobes extending from opposite sides—possibly generated by powerful jets erupting from the star.