Here is a unique view of an otherwise oft-photographed object. Special filters were used to isolate light emitted by individual atoms within the vast cloud of gas and dust. These were then color-coded so that the distribution of the different elements could be more easily discerned, a result that is as scientifically valuable as it is pleasing to the eye. Red indicates the light given off by sulphur atoms when stimulated by the intense ultraviolet light streaming from the young, hot stars at the center of the nebula. Similarly, green represents the light from excited hydrogen atoms, and blue the light of oxygen.