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Astronomers have uncovered a colossal cosmic structure resembling a brain.
Recent images captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have provided fresh insights into an enigmatic nebula enveloping a dying star, which has been relatively little explored until now.
In a statement on Wednesday, February 25, the NASA Webb Mission Team described Nebula PMR 1 as “a cloud of gas and dust that strikingly mirrors the appearance of a brain encased in a transparent skull, earning it the moniker, the ‘Exposed Cranium’ nebula.”
This nebula was initially detected over a decade ago in infrared light by NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, which is now retired. The advanced capabilities of the Webb Telescope have unveiled intricate details that emphasize its brain-like structure.
While much remains to be learned about this nebula, researchers have determined that it is formed by a star nearing the end of its fuel-burning life cycle.
NASA said: “In their end stages, stars expel their outer layers. It’s a dynamic and fairly fast process, in cosmic terms. Webb has captured a moment in this star’s decline.
“What ultimately happens will depend on the mass of the star, which is yet to be determined. If it’s massive enough, it will explode in a supernova.
“A less massive Sun-like star will continue to shed layers until only its core remains as a dense white dwarf, which will cool off over eons.”