Abell 30, captured here in a detailed HOO palette with RGB stars, is a fascinating planetary nebula located in the constellation Gemini. Unlike typical planetary nebulae, Abell 30 is a “born-again” object. After shedding its outer layers, the central star underwent a late helium-shell flash, reigniting fusion and ejecting fresh material into space. This dramatic event formed a complex structure: a faint outer halo from the original mass loss and bright blue inner knots of oxygen emission sculpted by high-velocity stellar winds.

This rare evolutionary stage provides astronomers a glimpse into the unpredictable end of stellar life cycles. The contrasting colors in the image highlight hydrogen in soft red and oxygen in luminous blue, emphasizing the turbulent knots and filamentary arcs within the nebula’s core. Objects like Abell 30 play an essential role in enriching the interstellar medium with heavier elements, setting the stage for future generations of stars and planets.