IC 1297 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Aquarius. It is part of a group of celestial objects known for their distinctive shapes and colors, which are formed from the outer layers of a dying star. The nebula is approximately 2,000 light-years away from Earth and is notable for its bright central star, which is the remnant core of the original star that created the nebula. Planetary nebulae like IC 1297 are important for understanding stellar evolution, as they represent a late stage in the life cycle of stars similar to our Sun. As the star sheds its outer layers, it creates intricate structures that can be studied to learn more about the processes that govern star formation and death in the universe.