R Coronae Australis nebula. Enhanced optical image of nebulosity surrounding the variable star R Coronae Australis (red, lower left). At upper centre are the related nebulae NGCs 6726-6727. R Coronae Australis varies erratically between magnitudes 9.7-13.5. The nebula typically varies with the star. This type of star is known as a nebular variable, a protostar which is still thought to be accreting matter from its parent nebula. This is one of the final stages in the development of a new star. This image was produced by a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera, which stores images electronically rather than on film.