NGC 7293 Sunflower Structure

The NGC 7293, also known as the Helix Nebula, is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Aquarius. Its sunflower structure is characterized by concentric, multi-ring shells caused by multiple mass-ejection episodes from its dying central star.

The Helix Nebula is approximately 650 light-years away from Earth. This makes it one of the closest planetary nebulae to our planet, allowing astronomers to study its complex structures in great detail.

The term "planetary nebula" is a historical misnomer originating from the 18th century when William Herschel thought their round shapes resembled planets like Uranus. In reality, NGC 7293 is formed from the ejected outer layers of a dying low-mass star.

Yes, astronomers predict that our Sun will eventually become a planetary nebula similar to NGC 7293. When the Sun exhausts its hydrogen fuel in roughly 5 billion years, it will shed its outer layers, exposing a white dwarf core that illuminates the surrounding gas.