M97 Owl Nebula

The Owl Nebula is categorized as a planetary (starburst) nebula and is located approximately 2030 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Ursa Major. This nebula is estimated to be about 8000 years old and received its nickname due to its round shape and the 2 dark spots that resemble eyes.

Despite this being called a planetary nebula, it has nothing to do with planets. Planetary nebula are formed when low mass stars approach the end of their lifespan and begin casting off glowing shells of interstellar matter. Most of the time this creates an expanding circular body making the nebula look like a planetary body.

Constellation Ursa Major

Distance about 2,600 light-years from Earth