The Lion Nebula (Sh2-132) is a faint emission nebula located about 10,000 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus. The nebula is a rich region of glowing gas, dust, and star clusters, with massive stars at its heart that ionize the surrounding gas, causing it to shine brightly. 

The nebula’s intricate structure of gas clouds and dark dust lanes can resemble a lion’s face and mane to some viewers, though it is far too dim to be observed with the naked eye.

Two hot and massive Wolf-Rayet stars, designated HD 211564 and HD 211853, are key contributors to the nebula’s energy. These stars are at an advanced stage of evolution, shedding their outer layers at high speeds and creating powerful stellar winds that sculpt the nebula’s structure.

The vivid colors seen in the image are from ionized gases, primarily hydrogen and oxygen. These gases are energized by the intense ultraviolet radiation from the massive stars within the nebula.

The Lion Nebula is considered a region of new star formation, with young, hot stars forming amidst its cosmic dust and gas. This is a large nebula, spanning about 250 light-years across. Its apparent size in the sky is slightly larger than that of a full moon.