One of the most structurally complex planetary nebulae known, NGC 6543, popularly called the Cat’s Eye Nebula, lies about 3,300 light-years away in the constellation Draco. At its heart is a dying star that has expelled its outer layers into intricate shells of glowing ionized gas. This image captures not only the iconic teal core but also the fainter filamentary halos that extend well beyond its central nebula, likely the result of episodic mass loss over thousands of years.

Remarkably, the nebula is set against a starfield studded with faint galaxies, including a prominent spiral below it. These background galaxies provide a cosmic depth to the frame, contrasting the relatively nearby planetary nebula with structures billions of light-years away. This portrait is a powerful reminder of the beauty and scale of celestial evolution.