Scientists believe that a ring of dense material around the star's equator, ejected during its red giant phase, created the nebula's shape. The bubbles are not smooth like balloons but have filaments of denser matter. The Eskimo Nebula is about 5,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Gemini. By the very act of looking at the night sky, we become involved with astronomy. There can be very few people who have never gazed at the night sky and pondered on the mysteries of the Universe and our place within it.
Astronomy tells a fascinating story.
It is a tale made all the more enthralling by the ease with which anyone can participate in astronomical observation. The very word astronomy, conjures up wonderful images in your mind of distant galaxies, exploding stars, comets, meteors, telescopes and yes life elsewhere in the Universe. It may also bring to mind your very first look through a telescope or binoculars. Whatever comes to mind, the subject of astronomy has captured the hearts and minds of virtually every person on the planet at some time or another. So, if you are new to astronomy, take your time in learning your way around the night sky.