James Webb Space Telescope spots giant cosmic ‘brain’

By Dean Murray

Space scientists have spotted a giant cosmic "brain."

The latest images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have revealed new details in a mysterious, little-studied nebula surrounding a dying star.

NASA Webb Mission Team said Wednesday, Feb. 25: "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 nebula was first revealed in infrared light by a predecessor to Webb, NASA’s now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope, more than a decade ago. Webb’s advanced instruments show detail that enhances the nebula’s brain-like appearance.

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While there is still much to be understood about this nebula, researchers said it’s clear that it is being created by a star near the end of its fuel-burning “life.”

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."