The Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888): Live Fast, Blow Hard and Die Young. Massive stars lead short, spectacular lives. This composite X-ray (blue)/optical (red and green) image reveals dramatic details of a portion of the Crescent Nebula, a giant gaseous shell created by powerful winds blowing from the massive star HD 192163 (a.k.a. WR 136. After only 4.5 million years (one-thousandth the age of the Sun), HD 192163 began its headlong rush toward a supernova catastrophe. One of the most summer season photographed astronomical objects, the Crecent Nebulae is an interesting target since you can compare your work with many high end astro photography gourou. Using Hydrogen Alpha filter,show a dramatic aspect of the gas bubble .