NGC 2438 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Puppis. It is approximately 5,000 light-years away from Earth and is known for its bright, colorful appearance, which is a result of ionized gases emitted by a dying star at its center. The nebula was discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1786. It has a diameter of about 1.5 light-years and is expanding at a speed of around 20 kilometers per second. NGC 2438 is often studied to understand the processes involved in stellar evolution and the life cycle of stars.