NASA scientists have spotted mysterious giant cosmic brain surrounding a dying star

Space scientists have spotted a giant cosmic ‘brain.’The latest images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have revealed new details in a mysterious, little-studied nebula surrounding a dying star.NASA Webb Mission Team said Wednesday (Feb 25): “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 “Exposed Cranium” nebula.”The nebula was first revealed in infrared light by a predecessor to Webb, NASA’s now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope, more than a decade ago.Webb’s advanced instruments show detail that enhances the nebula’s brain-like appearance.While there is still much to be understood about this nebula, researchers said it’s clear that it is being created by a star near the end of its fuel-burning “life.”NASA said: “In their end stages, stars expel their outer layers.

It’s a dynamic and fairly fast process, in cosmic terms.Webb has captured a moment in this star’s decline.“What ultimately happens will depend on the mass of the star, which is yet to be determined.

If it’s massive enough, it will explode in a supernova.“A less massive Sun-like star will continue to shed layers until only its core remains as a dense white dwarf, which will cool off over eons.”...