Like zombies on the hunt, two infrared space telescopes have captured images of the brainy-looking nebula PMR 1, which is being created by a dying star. The first image came from the now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope in 2013. Though less sharp than the James Webb Space Telescope, the distinctive two-hemisphere look of a cosmic cranium is apparent.
Webb’s new images, taken with both its near-infrared and mid-infrared instruments, sharpen our view of the nebula’s structure, particularly its semi-transparent outer bubble. This is from the star’s oldest outburst, mostly of hydrogen. The inner material that looks like a brain is from later ejections with a more complex chemical makeup.
A distinct dark lane running vertically through all three images completes the brainy illusion.
