NASA's James Webb Space Telescope just dropped the Exposed Cranium Nebula (PMR 1) — and yes, it looks exactly like a glowing human brain tucked inside a see-through skull. 5,000 light-years away in Vela constellation, this planetary nebula is the final exhale of an aging star shedding its outer layers.Side-by-side magic from Webb:
NIRCam (left): Sharp white "skull" bubble, fiery orange inner folds, that perfect dark central lane splitting it like brain hemispheres, and distant galaxies twinkling right through the shell.
MIRI (right): Bluish haze, thick creamy dust clouds, the dark lane half-hidden, and — get this — material erupting out the top like the star's still raging against the dying of the light.
This isn't just pretty; it's a snapshot of cosmic recycling. The elements forged in that star (carbon, oxygen, the stuff we're made of) are being scattered back into space to birth new worlds. Full breakdown, easy explanations, and the hi-res side-by-side images right here: https://www.jameswebbdiscovery.com/discoveries/james-webb-telescope-reveals-exposed-cranium-nebula-in-stunning-detail
Does this give anyone else existential vibes? Reblog with your thoughts / what it reminds you of.
