This image is of Supergiant Star V838 Monocerotis (V838 Mon). It was taken by Hubble in 2002 when the star emitted a pulse of light or energy. The Hubble website makes the comparison of this beautiful “light echo” to the work of Vincent Van Gogh. The halo, or dust, is illuminated by the star, which is the red center.
Its beautiful swirls and tidal-like movements are as vibrant as any space photograph I have ever seen. It is something close to a magical and unbelievable view into a different time and place. A place we can never see with our own retinas, but a place we can interpret and imagine from the lens of Hubble. A place of imagination and opportunity. A place for our hopes and amazements. But more importantly a vision of the future and humanities march forward, which is summoned by our ability to capture such an image.
The Hubble website description is here.
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