This wide-field image captures the striking blue reflection nebula VdB 134 in Lacerta, glowing from starlight scattered by cosmic dust. The scene is made even more dramatic by the presence of the faint red hydrogen emission that threads the surrounding interstellar medium. At right, the small, perfect blue bubble is the planetary nebula PN G086.9+05.1, a remnant of a dying star’s outer layers now glowing in ionized gas.

The contrast between the dusty reflection nebula, the faint emission filaments, and the compact planetary nebula makes this field a remarkable example of the diversity of nebular structures found within the Milky Way. The interplay of reflection, emission, and ionization showcases a rich tapestry of stellar evolution, from the birth clouds of stars to their final stages.