This is cataloged as G292.0+1.8, a young supernova remnant around 20,000 light years away toward the southern constellation Centaurus. The light from the initial supernova explosion reached the Earth around 1,600 years ago. This false-color x-ray image is from the orbiting Chandra Observatory.
But how do stars live their lives before going to its demise in the form of a supernova? Find out on NASA.
(Image Credit: NASA/ CXC/ SAO)