When Supernova 1987A exploded in the Large Magellanic Cloud, the Milky Way's nearest companion gallery, the brilliant flash of light took about 170 000 years to reach us. The dust responsible for the rings seen here lies in two distinct layers, about 470 and 1300 light years from the supernova.
Click here for a closer look at the Horsehead.
Images by David Malin, AAO.