What is the difference between a planetary nebula and a supernova?

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Algo Rhythmia
2 years ago

A planetary nebula is a type of emission nebula consisting of an expanding glowing shell of ionized gas ejected from old red giant stars whereas a supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs when a star has exhausted its fuel and its core collapses. Planetary nebulae are relatively small and short-lived compared to supernovae.

Planetary nebulae get their name from their planet-like appearance in early telescopes, but they have no connection to planets.