The distant object known as PM 1-322 is a variable planetary nebula, a shell of gas and dust shed by an exploded star
A strange cosmic object that has puzzled astronomers for two decades has been revealed to be the ancient remains of a long-dead star.
But even among the most interesting planetary nebulas, with some resembling beautiful cosmic cat's eyes and butterflies, PM 1–322 stands out. That's because the new research, led by Masaryk University researcher Ernst Paunzen, indicates that PM 1-322's light output changes over long periods of time. Plus, something within the object appears to be exhibiting eruption-like events.Despite the name, planetary nebulas like PM 1–322 have nothing to do with planets.
But, as nuclear fusion still occurs in the star’s outer layers, the shell of the star “puffs out,” and turns it into what's known as a red giant. In about 5 billion years, our own sun will undergo this transformation, with its outer layers swelling to the size of Mars' orbit. This sort of mega sun will thus consume the inner planets of our solar system, including Earth.
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