Enjoying EarthSky? Subscribe.

37,000 subscribers and counting ...

By in
on Jul 10, 2012

M57 – The Ring Nebula

The Ring Nebula (M57) in the constellation Lyra shows the final stages of a star like our sun. A white dwarf in the center lights up the receding cloud of gas. The colors identify various elements like hydrogen, helium, and oxygen. Credit: The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScI/NASA)

The Ring Nebula (M57) in the constellation Lyra shows the final stages of a star like our sun.  A white dwarf in the center lights up the receding cloud of gas.  The colors identify various elements like hydrogen, helium, and oxygen. Credit: The Hubble Heritage Team (AURA/STScI/NASA)

M57 – The Ring Nebula