Henize 3 401: An Elongated Planetary Nebula . ... Credit Copyright: R. Sahai ( JPL / NASA ) et al., HST , NASA , ESA Explanation: How do dying stars eject their outer layers? Stars that create elegant planetary nebulas like Henize 3-401, pictured above , are not unusual, causing speculation that, one day, our own Sun may look like this. Henize 3-401 is one of the most elongated planetary nebula s yet discovered, a particularly odd feat for a seemingly round star. ...