The central star seen in this nebula, captured by Hubble #OTD in 2000, scatters matter as it dies, creating this spectacular cosmic scene. NGC 2392 dying in style.

NGC 2392 is located about 5,000 light years from Earth in the constellation Gemini.

This image is one of the first images taken after Hubble's third servicing mission. During this mission, astronauts worked to improve Hubble with new electronics and replacement gyroscopes that help the telescope rotate and lock onto its targets.

Image description:

A small, orange point of light in the centre of the image is surrounded by bright lobes of orange and white matter. Comet-shaped orange filaments resembling wheel spokes surround the lobes in a circle against black space.

No other death could look so beautiful, could it?