An abundance of rare isotopes in a planetary nebula

An abundance of rare isotopes in a planetary nebula

An abundance of rare isotopes in a planetary nebula, Published online: 19 December 2018; doi:10.1038/d41586-018-07726-x

Observations reveal that a particular planetary nebula — the ejected envelope of an old star — is unusually enriched in rare carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotopes. The finding could help to explain the origins of these isotopes.