The unique planetary nebula NGC 2818 is nested inside the open star cluster NGC 2818A. Both the cluster and the nebula reside over 10,000 light-years away, in the southern constellation Pyxis (the Compass).

The New Scientist has a beginner's guide to cosmology called Instant Expert: Cosmology, have a look! It gives a thumbnail view of it all, from the Big Bang to the space-time curve, dark matter, dark energy, etc.

If you want a real trip, a real mind bender, read their article called Our world may be a giant hologram.

Enjoy!