The James Webb Space Telescope captured nebula NGC 2392, which is nicknamed the Lion Nebula due to its distinct shape. (NASA/ ESA/CSA/STScI/Pagan via SWNS)
By Dean Murray
A space cloud resembling a lion's head has been observed.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope recently imaged planetary nebula NGC 2392, which is nicknamed the "Lion Nebula" because of its distinct shape.
The near- and mid-infrared composite image reveals the complex structure of the cosmic spectacle, which is located about 6,500 light-years away.
It formed and continues to be sculpted by the remains of a dying star.
NASA said Monday, Aug. 10: "The stellar core, also known as a white dwarf, is located at the center and looks like the button nose of the lion."
(NASA/ ESA/CSA/STScI/Pagan via SWNS)
The space agency added that the central dying star is so hot that its radiation is "cooking" everything from the inside and producing a bubble of ionized hydrogen gas as it does.
The gas bubble, which is the lion's "face," features cavernous shells and rings with tendrils that are expanding and destroying dust when they encounter it.
NASA added: "However, not all dust is obliterated from the scene. The lion's mane is the interior of a dust shell that is being illuminated by the central star's core.
"Within the mane some compact clumps of dust (red and orange) have managed to survive so far and are protecting the material that lies behind them."
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