New NASA images show iconic horse-shaped nebula in unprecedented detail

April 30, 2024 Benjamin Hughes

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NASA recently used its James Webb Space Telescope to capture ethereal, detailed images of the Horsehead Nebula.

The nebula, which NASA has called “one of the most distinctive objects in our skies,” is located in the constellation Orion. NASA said in a news release that the nebula is illuminated by a nearby hot star and formed from a “collapsing interstellar cloud of material.” New stars are also formed inside the nebula, making it a valuable location to study.

Despite its striking presence in the skies, the nebula is temporary: it was once surrounded by gas clouds, but those have dissipated, NASA said, and astronomers estimate the entire nebula will disintegrate in about 5 million years.

This image of the Horsehead Nebula from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope focuses on a portion of the horse’s “mane.”

NASA, ESA, CSA, K. Misselt and A. Abergel

The images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope show the “mane” of the Horsehead Nebula in “unprecedented” detail, NASA said.

Kerry Breen

Kerry Breen is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News’ TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.

Source: cbsnews.com