NGC_2438 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Hydra. It is approximately 3,500 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. Discovered by William Herschel in 1786, NGC_2438 is often studied to understand the life cycle of stars. The nebula's shape and structure provide insights into the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution, particularly in the formation of planetary nebulae.