IC 1266 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Centaurus. It is approximately 2,500 light-years away from Earth and is known for its distinct shape and bright central star. Planetary nebulae like IC 1266 are formed when a star similar to our Sun exhausts its nuclear fuel and sheds its outer layers, creating a glowing shell of gas. The nebula is part of a larger group of celestial objects that showcase the life cycle of stars. Observations of IC 1266 help astronomers understand the processes involved in stellar evolution and the chemical enrichment of the interstellar medium, which contributes to the formation of new stars and planets.