Halo of the Cat s Eye . ... Credit Copyright: Don Goldman Explanation: The Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543) is one of the best known planetary nebulae in the sky . ... Planetary nebulae have long been appreciated as a final phase in the life of a sun-like star. ... While the planetary nebula phase is thought to last for around 10,000 years, astronomers estimate the age of the outer filamentary portions of this halo to be 50,000 to 90,000 years. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...