#pmr1

Cranium Nebula (NIRCam image) !

A distinct dark lane between two cosmic clouds adds to the brainy appearance of nebula PMR 1. The NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope shows multiple phases of a dying star’s outbursts in one image: the skull-like, whitish outer bubble is from an initial ejection, mostly of hydrogen, followed by other heavier material, shown in orange in the nebula’s interior. As with many NIRCam images, many stars and even distant galaxies can be seen behind the nebula.

Beyond its unusual appearance there is still much to be uncovered about PMR 1. It’s unclear if the star creating the nebula is massive enough to undergo a supernova, or if it will evolve into a dense white dwarf once it has shed all its outer layers.

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