NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope recently captured a planetary nebula called ESO 455-10 in the constellation Scorpius. The nebula is seen distributing its elements into the interstellar medium, which will, in time, help to form the next generation of stars.
The oblate shells of ESO 455-10, recently held firmly together as layers of its central star, not just give this planetary nebula its special appearance yet additionally offer information about the nebula. Found in a field of stars, the distinct asymmetrical arc of material over the north side of the nebula is an obvious indicator of interactions between ESO 455-10 and the interstellar medium.
Also known as IRAS 17277-3058, the star at its center allows Hubble to see the interaction with the nebula’s gas and dust, the surrounding interstellar medium, and the light from the star itself.