December 25, 1998
Somewhere between the hydrogen and the starlight, between the gravity and the grace, the universe conspired to bring you into being.
Nebulae For Christmas
Birthday · December 25, 1998
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published December 25, 1998. Full image credits are on the original APOD entry below. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
If our Galaxy were a Christmas tree, planetary nebulae would adorn it like colorful lighted ornaments twinkling on a cosmic scale. Glowing shrouds of gas ejected by red giant stars, planetary nebulae like NGC 6578 (left) and IC 3568 last for a mere 10,000 years or so as swollen stellar giants are transformed into fading, cooling white dwarf stars. Meanwhile ... have a safe, happy holiday season and Best Wishes to all from APOD!