What causes a planetary nebula?
A) shocks from colliding winds around dying stars
B) planetary collisions
C) supernovae
D) fragmentation of giant molecular clouds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Planetary nebulae are caused by the shockwaves produced when the outer layers of a dying star are blown away by a strong stellar wind. These winds are the result of the star's hot, inner core emitting intense radiation, which drives the outflows of gas and dust. As the expanding shell of gas and dust collides with the surrounding interstellar medium, it creates shockwaves that heat up and ionize the gas, producing the colorful glow of a planetary nebula.

What Causes a Planetary Nebula