This #HubbleClassic image reveals the glorious final phase of the life of a star with a mass slightly less than our Sun.

The nebula, known as NGC 6210, is made up of layers of emission from the dying star at its center. It is located in the constellation Hercules, about 6,500 light-years from Earth.

Astronomers predict that the Sun will go through a similar process and reach the same end in about five billion years.

Image description:

Glowing shells of blue, purple and pink gas surround a central white star.

 

Image credits: ESA/Hubble and NASA

It's a glorious departure, isn't it?