NASA has released new images of the Exposed Cranium Nebula, also known as Nebula PMR 1, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. The observatory documented this cloud of space dust and debris to investigate its structure. These images may capture the final stages of a star’s life cycle. The data provides insights into the nebula’s distinctive brain-like appearance.
According to a NASA blog post, the nebula displays distinct regions that record different evolutionary phases. The outer shell consists primarily of hydrogen and was expelled first. An inner cloud possesses greater structure and contains a mixture of various gases. The central star’s evolution drives these visible changes in the nebula’s composition and form.
A dark vertical line divides the nebula, creating its cranial resemblance. NASA scientists attribute this feature to an outburst or outflow from the central star. This activity typically manifests as twin jets erupting in opposite directions. The interaction of these jets with surrounding material shapes the nebula’s current configuration.
Researchers utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to document these features. The use of both instruments allowed for a comprehensive analysis of the nebula’s gas and dust composition across different wavelengths.
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