NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured a giant star’s final moments.

In a breathtaking recap of cosmic evolution, the Hubble Space Telescope has released a stunning image of the planetary nebula Kohoutek 4-55, located 4,600 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. This remarkable photograph showcases the vibrant clouds of ionized gases expelled by a dying star, marking a poignant chapter not only in stellar evolution but also in the history of Hubble's own observations. Released in April 2025, this image is a testament to the impressive legacy of Hubble's Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2), which captured this striking view shortly before its retirement in 2009. Kohoutek 4-55 serves as a visual representation of a star reaching the end of its life cycle. As a star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it transitions from a red giant phase, shedding its outer layers and ultimately contracting its core. This process ignites a brief but intense phase of fusion, expelling ultraviolet radiation that ionizes surrounding gas clouds. The result is a dazzling display, with nitrogen glowing red and orange, hydrogen illuminating green, and oxygen illuminating blue. What’s particularly fascinating about Kohoutek 4-55 is its complex celestial structure. Unlike many planetary nebulae, which can appear simpler in form, Kohoutek displays a multi-layered configuration: a faint outer layer surrounds a bright inner ring, enveloped by a broad halo of ionized nitrogen. Such unique attributes offer astronomers vital insights into stellar evolution, aiding in the understanding of not just distant stars but potentially informing models of our sun's lifecycle in about 5 billion years. The processing techniques employed to render this vibrant image highlight the end of an era. The WFPC2, installed in 1993 to rectify Hubble’s initial optical discrepancies, has contributed significantly to our understanding of the universe, producing iconic images like the Pillars of Creation. It has captured over 1.5 million observations, paving the way for current astrophysical research. Hubble's ongoing operation continues to inspire awe, with images like that of Kohoutek 4-55 serving as a reminder of the intricate and beautiful universe we inhabit. Each viewing of such nebulae not only stirs public fascination but also emphasizes the importance of continued support for space exploration and astronomical studies. This release encapsulates both the temporary beauty of cosmic phenomena and the enduring contributions of Hubble. Throughout its mission, Hubble has transformed our understanding of the cosmos, and as we move forward, the legacy of WFPC2 and its stunning images will be remembered as definitive moments in the story of space exploration.