Stunning image shows blue shock wave in Cassiopeia

A stunning photo shows a bright blue shock wave around a double star system in the Cassiopeia constellation. The image captures two small planetary nebulas: Abell 6 on the left and the larger HFG1 on the right. The photographer, Miguel Claro, is based in Lisbon, Portugal. He is known for his beautiful night sky images and works with the European Southern Observatory. Claro specializes in creating "Skyscapes," which connect the Earth and the stars. In the image, the Cassiopeia constellation glows with ionized hydrogen gas. HFG1 displays a bow shock, a crescent-shaped wave formed as the binary star system V664 Cas moves through the Milky Way. V664 Cas consists of a white dwarf and a red giant star, located just a few million miles apart. On the left side, Abell 6 appears as a bright blue ball. This small nebula formed from the gases of a dying star. It is a shell of dust and gas ejected as the star ran out of fuel. Planetary nebulas like Abell 6 have a short life span of about 10,000 years before they fade away. The photo was taken from the Dark Sky Alqueva Observatory in Portugal, using specific light filters. It offers a beautiful glimpse into our universe.