This is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, at a distance of about 1360 light years. A planetary nebula (no relation to planets) is the shell of gas expelled by a dying star as it burns up the last remains of the hydrogen and helium in its core. The gas is lit by the hot core of the dying star. 15" F/5 Dobsonian, 13mm LVW eyepiece (147x) + OIII filter. Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, CA. 2008-08-30.