NGC 6549 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Centaurus. It is approximately 2,000 light-years away from Earth and is known for its striking appearance, featuring a bright central star surrounded by a colorful shell of gas and dust. The nebula is a remnant of a dying star that has shed its outer layers, creating a beautiful and intricate structure. Discovered by John Herschel in 1834, NGC 6549 is classified as a planetary nebula, a type of astronomical object that forms when a star similar to our Sun exhausts its nuclear fuel. The nebula's vibrant colors are a result of ionized gases, primarily hydrogen and helium, which emit light as they are energized by the central star.