Nebeltage

Nebeltage is a term used in the context of astronomy and astrophysics to describe the period during which a star is in its final stages of life, characterized by the expulsion of its outer layers into space. This process is often referred to as a planetary nebula, although the term "planetary nebula" is misleading as it has nothing to do with planets. During this phase, the star's core, which is typically a white dwarf, emits ultraviolet radiation that ionizes the expelled gas, causing it to glow and create the characteristic nebula appearance.

The term "Nebeltage" itself is not widely recognized in scientific literature, but it can be understood as a combination of "Nebel" (German for nebula) and "Alter" (German for age), implying the age or stage of a star when it is forming a nebula. This stage is a relatively brief period in the life of a star, lasting only a few tens of thousands of years, compared to the star's total lifespan, which can span millions or billions of years.

Nebeltage is an important phase in the life cycle of stars, as it plays a crucial role in the recycling of elements in the universe. The expelled gas, enriched with heavy elements produced by nuclear fusion in the star's core, is eventually incorporated into new stars and planetary systems, contributing to the ongoing process of stellar evolution and the formation of new celestial bodies.