The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a stunning photo of the “Crystal Ball Nebula” NGC 1514, revealing new insights into its formation and structure. Located 1,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus, this planetary nebula is a remnant of a star’s death.
In the latest image, NGC 1514 appears as an hourglass or ring shape due to the extra details revealed by JWST’s infrared optics, particularly its Mid-infrared Instrument (MIRI). This has allowed scientists to draw out gas clouds and rings that were previously not visible.
At the center of the nebula lies a binary star system, consisting of two dying stars: one still expelling its outer layers and the other a white dwarf. The white dwarf is the hot remnant of a star that has used up its nuclear fuel, having started as a star several times more massive than our sun.
The JWST offers scientists a unique glimpse into the cosmos, revealing previously unseen details in objects that have been studied before. “Before Webb, we weren’t able to detect most of this material, let alone observe it so clearly,” said Mike Ressler, a researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. With MIRI’s data, scientists can now comprehensively examine the turbulent nature of NGC 1514.
The discovery is significant because it highlights the capabilities of JWST and its ability to provide unprecedented views of the universe.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/astronomy/space-photo-of-the-week-james-webb-telescope-reveals-hidden-past-of-the-crystal-ball-nebula