Webb Studies Cranium Nebula

The nebula appears to have distinct regions that capture different phases of its evolution — an outer shell of gas that was blown off first and consists mostly of hydrogen, and an inner cloud with more structure that contains a mix of different gases. Both Webb's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) show a distinctive dark lane running vertically through the middle of the nebula that defines its brain-like look of left and right hemispheres. Webb's resolution shows that this lane could be related to an outburst or outflow from the central star, which typically occurs as twin jets burst out in opposite directions.

Nebula PMR 1 is a cloud of gas and dust that bears an uncanny resemblance to a brain in a transparent skull, inspiring its nickname, the "Exposed Cranium" nebula.

The story also adds context to Webb's place in the long arc of infrared astronomy. NASA notes that PMR 1 was first revealed in infrared by the now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope more than a decade ago, and Webb is now pushing that view much further by resolving finer internal detail. For MLI readers, this is a strong example of how a single image release can carry both spectacle and real scientific value: the picture is memorable on its own, and the structure inside it offers new clues about how dying stars throw material into space.