NGC 6804 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Aquila, at an estimated distance of 4,000 to 5,000 light-years from Earth. It was discovered by William Herschel on July 25, 1791, and was later included in the New General Catalogue (NGC) compiled by John Louis Emil Dreyer. Although relatively small, it stands out for its high surface brightness and intricate internal structure, making it an excellent target for medium-sized telescopes and high-resolution astrophotography.
NGC 6804 represents one of the final stages in the evolution of a Sun-like star. After exhausting its nuclear fuel, the progenitor star expelled its outer layers into space, creating an expanding shell of gas while its remaining core continues its evolution toward becoming a white dwarf.