Nebula PMR 1 is a cloud of gas and dust that bears an uncanny resemblance to a brain in a transparent skull, inspiring its nickname, the âExposed Craniumâ nebula. Webb captured its unusual features in both near- and mid-infrared light. The nebula was first revealed in infrared light by a predecessor to Webb, NASAâs now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope, more than a decade ago. Webbâs advanced instruments show detail that enhances the nebulaâs brain-like appearance. This image, released on Feb. 25, 2026, is in near-infrared light.
The nebula appears to have distinct regions that capture different phases of its evolution â an outer shell of gas that was blown off first and consists mostly of hydrogen, and an inner cloud with more structure that contains a mix of different gases. Both Webbâs NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) show a distinctive dark lane running vertically through the middle of the nebula that defines its brain-like look of left and right hemispheres. Webbâs resolution shows that this lane could be related to an outburst or outflow from the central star, which typically occurs as twin jets burst out in opposite directions.Â
Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI)