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Cat's Eye Nebula

Photo: Nebula with gas bubbles and rings

The intricately shaped Cat's Eye nebula is formed from concentric gas bubbles and high-speed jets ejected from the outer layers of a dying star. One theory is that the gases were released at 1,500-year intervals, giving the nebula its layered appearance.

Photograph courtesy NASA, ESA, HEIC, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)