What is a planetary nebula?
A)gas created from the remains of planets that once orbited a dead star
B)interstellar gas from which planets are likely to form in the not-too-distant future
C)the remains of a high-mass star that has exploded
D)gas ejected from a low-mass star in the final stage of its life

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A planetary nebula is a glowing shell of gas and plasma ejected from a low-mass star in the final stage of its life, not from planets or a high-mass star. The ejection of material occurs when the star exhausts its nuclear fuel and begins to shed its outer layers, eventually forming a dense core known as a white dwarf. The gas in the planetary nebula is illuminated by the ultraviolet radiation from the hot core, causing it to glow with a variety of colors and shapes.

What Is a Planetary Nebula