NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured the stunning images of the Egg Nebula (CRL 2688), located about 1,000 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. The nebula showcases a complex interplay of light and dark, with a central star obscured by a thick layer of dust. This phenomenon allows only faint light from the star to penetrate the dust, creating a sharp contrast at the edges of the nebula, illustrating the exquisite resolution of Hubble.

The Egg Nebula is noted as one of the first and the closest pre-planetary nebulae discovered, representing a stage in the life cycle of a star just before it becomes a planetary nebula. As a star nears the end of its life, it expels gas and dust layers, forming these intricate structures. The name 'planetary nebula' is a misnomer, as these nebulae have no relation to planets, and are instead named for their round shapes that resemble planets in telescopes.

The article explains how, upon exhausting its hydrogen and helium fuel for nuclear fusion, a star sheds its outer layers, unveiling its hot core, which then ionizes the surrounding gas. This process gives rise to various formations like spiral, manta-ray, and butterfly nebulae. The Egg Nebula's unique features, including two protrusions suggestive of gravitational interactions with companion stars, highlight the complex dynamics at play during this pivotal phase of a star’s evolution.