Planetary nebulae are a type of astronomical object that represent a late stage in the evolution of low to intermediate mass stars. They are formed when a star reaches the end of its life cycle and ejects its outer layers of gas and dust into space, creating a glowing shell of ionized gas surrounding the central stellar remnant. These nebulae are named for their round, planet-like appearance when viewed through a telescope, and they often exhibit intricate and colorful shapes due to the interaction of the ejected material with the surrounding interstellar medium. Planetary nebulae are important objects of study in astrophysics because they provide insights into the processes of stellar evolution and the chemical enrichment of the universe. Researchers study planetary nebulae using a variety of observational techniques, including imaging, spectroscopy, and modeling, to investigate their physical characteristics, chemical composition, and evolutionary history. By understanding planetary nebulae, scientists can gain a better understanding of the life cycle of stars and the role they play in the formation and evolution of galaxies.