NGC 6543, commonly known as the Cat's Eye Nebula, is a striking planetary nebula located in the constellation Draco, approximately 3,300 light-years from Earth. This nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae known, featuring intricate structures including concentric shells, jets, and knots of high-density gas. The central star, a dying red giant, has shed its outer layers, creating the glowing shell of ionized gas visible in detailed telescopic images.

The Cat's Eye Nebula is particularly noted for its rich array of colors, which are caused by different types of ionized gases. For example, the blue-green hues are from oxygen, while the reddish tones come from hydrogen and nitrogen. This nebula serves as a key object of study for understanding the end-of-life stages of medium-sized stars and the complex processes involved in the creation of planetary nebulae.