NGC 2462 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Puppis. It was discovered by the astronomer John Herschel in 1834. This nebula is about 1,500 light-years away from Earth and is known for its distinct shape and bright central star, which is a remnant of a dying star that has shed its outer layers. The nebula has a diameter of approximately 0.5 light-years and is expanding at a speed of around 20 kilometers per second. NGC 2462 is part of a larger group of nebulae that showcase the life cycle of stars, illustrating the process of stellar evolution as they transition from main sequence stars to their final stages.