When critical mass is reached to burn heavier elements a hot fusion fire expands the star and it pushes its outer gases into space. The central star, measured to be magnitude 13.9, is clearly visible in both photographs here. It is 1500 light years across and lies 300 light years distant. It's interesting to note the difference in color provided by the CCD image and on film. I suspect that the CCD image is a more accurate representation of the actual color.
Film tends to be more sensitive to reds than blues.
Copyright 1999, 2000. All rights reserved by Michelle Stone. No images may be used for any purpose without written permission by the author.