The unequalled sensitivity of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Area Telescope in each near- and mid-infrared gentle sheds new gentle on PMR 1, a little-studied nebula within the constellation of Vela.
These Webb pictures present PMR 1, a planetary nebula some 5,000 light-years away within the constellation of Vela. Picture credit score: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Joseph DePasquale, STScI.
PMR 1 is a planetary nebula situated roughly 5,000 light-years away within the constellation of Vela.
Also called IRAS 09269-4923, the article was first revealed in infrared gentle by NASA’s now-retired Spitzer Area Telescope in 2013.
Webb’s superior devices now present element that enhances the nebula’s brain-like look.
“The nebula seems to have distinct areas that seize completely different phases of its evolution — an outer shell of fuel that was blown off first and consists principally of hydrogen, and an interior cloud with extra construction that incorporates a mixture of completely different gases,” the Webb astronomers said in a press release.
“Each Webb’s NIRCam (Close to-Infrared Digital camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) present a particular darkish lane working vertically via the center of the nebula that defines its brain-like look of left and proper hemispheres.”
“Webb’s decision reveals that this lane may very well be associated to an outburst or outflow from the central star, which generally happens as twin jets burst out in reverse instructions.”
“Proof for that is significantly notable on the high of the nebula in Webb’s MIRI picture, the place it appears to be like just like the interior fuel is being ejected outward.”
“Whereas there may be nonetheless a lot to be understood about this nebula, it’s clear that it’s being created by a star close to the tip of its fuel-burning life,” the astronomers stated.
“Of their finish levels, stars expel their outer layers. It’s a dynamic and pretty quick course of, in cosmic phrases. Webb has captured a second on this star’s decline.”
“What in the end occurs will rely upon the mass of the star, which is but to be decided.”
“If it’s huge sufficient, it can explode in a supernova.”
“A much less huge Solar-like star will proceed to shed layers till solely its core stays as a dense white dwarf, which is able to cool off over eons.”
