planetary nebula

English

Etymology

Coined by William Herschel because of their apparent resemblance to the planet Uranus.

Pronunciation

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Noun

planetary nebula (plural planetary nebulas or planetary nebulae)

  1. (astronomy) A nebulosity surrounding a dying red giant, consisting of material expelled by the star.

Synonyms

  • PN (abbreviation)

Derived terms

Translations

See also

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