Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, revealing the complex and dynamic nature of planetary nebulae. The telescope’s high-resolution images of NGC 6072, a peculiar planetary nebula located in the constellation Centaurus, have provided new insights into the life cycle of stars and their surrounding environments.
NGC 6072 appears as an irregularly shaped scene with multiple outflows, hinting at the presence of at least two stars at its center. The central region glows from the hot stellar core, while darker areas are made up of gas and dust, possibly created by dense molecular clouds formed under intense radiation. Longer wavelengths captured by Webb’s MIRI instrument reveal concentric rings expanding from the central region, suggesting a secondary star may be hidden.
The study suggests that planetary nebulae with complex shapes play a crucial role in enriching the interstellar medium, contributing to the formation of new stars and planetary systems containing heavier elements. The James Webb Space Telescope’s imaging capabilities are opening up new avenues for research into these mysterious structures and their origins.
As the central star approaches its final stages, it expels shells of material, losing up to 80% of its mass. This process creates a complex interplay between the hot and cool gases, resulting in unique nebular shapes and structures. The James Webb Space Telescope is uniquely positioned to study these phenomena, providing valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and their impact on surrounding environments.
By exploring NGC 6072 and other planetary nebulae, astronomers are gaining a deeper understanding of the universe’s history and evolution, shedding light on one of the most fascinating topics in astrophysics.
Source: https://science.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/goddard/nasas-webb-traces-details-of-complex-planetary-nebula