Planetary Nebula NGC 2440 . ... Acknowledgment: Hubble Heritage Team ( STScI / AURA ) Explanation: Planetary nebula NGC 2440 has an intriguing bow-tie shape in this stunning view from space. The nebula is composed of material cast off by a dying sun-like star as it enters its white dwarf phase of evolution. Details of remarkably complex structures are revealed within NGC 2440, including dense ridges of material swept back from the nebula's central star. ... NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...