Webb Examines Cranium Nebula

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. Webb captured its unusual features in both near- (left) and mid-infrared (right) light using two instruments that reveal enhancing details of the nebula’s brain-like appearance.

More stars and background galaxies shine through Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera), while cosmic dust glows more prominently in the light captured by MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). 

The dark centre lane that contributes to this nebula’s distinctive brain-like appearance is more noticeable in NIRCam, but its apparent role in the ejection of material at the top and bottom of the nebula is seen more clearly in MIRI’s view. Observing the cosmos in various wavelengths of light provides a more complete picture of how the universe works.