The Hubble Space Telescope’s observation of the Egg Nebula.(Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, B. Balick (University of Washington))
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Description: The Egg Nebula (CRL 2688), a celestial nebula
Location: 1,000 light-years distant, within the Cygnus constellation
Date shared: Feb. 10, 2026
In this fresh, stunning depiction of the Egg Nebula, a beacon of light filters across concentric rings of new stardust launched by a perishing star. This striking scene, as photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope, also offers alluring proof of precisely what transpires to sun-like stars as their lifespan concludes.
In reality, these are expanding zones of ionized gasses and cosmic particles released by stars as they conclude their evolution, abandoning concentrated stellar remnants recognized as white dwarfs within their centers.
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The Egg Nebula is among a few recognized celestial nebulas in its early stage — a pre-celestial nebula. It affords scientists a thorough glimpse into a momentary shifting phase that lasts merely some millennia, prior to the gasses and particles dissipating to build a fully formed celestial nebula.
There are many examples of these, such as the Helix Nebula, the Stingray Nebula, and the Butterfly Nebula. However, the Egg Nebula represents a scarce sight where space scientists are enabled to witness what occurs as a star depletes its hydrogen and helium reserves and commences discharging its external coatings into space. The curtailed existence of pre-celestial nebulas indicates that a minimal number are evident at any instant in time across cosmic history, and these are incredibly faint.
Hubble has already observed the Egg Nebula — in 1997, 2003, and 2012 — the latter data being integrated alongside the new data to develop the new image. During this primary phase of evolving into a celestial nebula, the radiation within the Egg Nebula arises from its star, which emitted a concentrated disk of particle matter merely some centuries ago.
Having been obstructed by particle matter, the light from the star manages to break free through polar apertures, giving rise to dual beams. The concentric curves and symmetry demonstrate that the star routinely “belches” bulk material and preclude the chance of a tumultuous supernova explosion.
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TOPICSspace photo of the week
Jamie CarterSocial Links NavigationLive Science contributor
Jamie Carter serves as an independent science reporter stationed in Cardiff, U.K., and is a recurring contributor to Live Science. He is the creator of A Stargazing Program For Beginners and a co-author of The Eclipse Effect, while also conducting global tours focused on stargazing and eclipse observation. His writings are consistently featured in Space.com, Forbes, New Scientist, BBC Sky at Night, Sky & Telescope, besides several eminent publications covering science and astronomy. Further, he holds the position of editor for WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com.
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