The European Space Agency (ESA) has released a breathtaking image of a rare planetary nebula, Kohoutek 4-55, located 4600 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. This stunning visual captures the swirling clouds of ionised atoms and molecules that are left behind by a dying star.
A planetary nebula is the final stage of a giant star’s life cycle. After exhausting its fuel, the star sheds its outer layers, leaving behind a hot core that contracts and releases a burst of nuclear fusion. This energy heats up the surrounding gas, causing it to glow brightly with ultraviolet light. The exposed core also ionises the molecules in the gas, creating vibrant colors.
Kohoutek 4-55 is a unique planetary nebula with an uncommon multi-layered structure. It features a bright inner ring, surrounded by a fainter outer layer of gas, all wrapped in a broad halo of ionised nitrogen. The image showcases this spectacle in stunning detail, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of these celestial objects.
The image was captured using the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2), which was installed at Hubble Space Telescope in 1993. This instrument produced some of Hubble’s most enduring images and fascinating discoveries. After 16 years of operation, WFPC2 was replaced by the Wide Field Camera 3 in 2009.
The data for this image were taken just ten days before WFPC2’s removal from the telescope, marking a fitting end to its service. The latest processing techniques have been used to bring this historic image back to life, offering us a glimpse into the universe’s most spectacular displays of celestial beauty and science.
Source: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/04/Swan_song_for_stars_and_cameras