Planetary nebulae are colorful, glowing clouds of gas and dust that form around aging stars in the final stages of their lives. These nebulae are named for their planet-like appearance when viewed through early telescopes, but they have no actual connection to planets. Instead, they are created when a star sheds its outer layers as it runs out of nuclear fuel and eventually collapses into a white dwarf. The intense ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf causes the surrounding gas to glow, creating the beautiful and intricate shapes we see in planetary nebulae. Studying planetary nebulae can provide important insights into the late stages of stellar evolution and the chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium.