Inbox Astronomy: Webb Captures Top of Iconic Horsehead Nebula in Unprecedented Detail

INBOX ASTRONOMY

Webb Captures Top of Iconic Horsehead Nebula in Unprecedented Detail

Release date: Monday, April 29, 2024 5:00:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Webb’s new view focuses on the illuminated edge of the nebula’s distinctive structure.

The Horsehead Nebula is prancing across the cosmic stage in new infrared views from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Extreme close-ups of the horse’s “mane” from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) showcase a dynamic region that transitions from a mostly neutral, warm area of gas and dust within the nebula (represented in blue) to surrounding hot, ionized gas (red). Webb’s observations will allow astronomers to investigate how dust in the nebula blocks and emits light, and to better understand the nebula’s shape.

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Find additional articles, images, and videos at WebbTelescope.org

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