NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Captures New Images of the Lion Nebula
NASA
- NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has released detailed new imagery of the planetary nebula NGC 2392, commonly known as the Lion Nebula.
- The new data provides high-resolution views of the nebula's iconic "mane," which consists of ionized gas and dust.
Scientific Context and Observation
- The nebula's distinct structure, resembling a lion's face, is formed by the remnants of its central star.
- Imaging was conducted using the observatory's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI).
- The latest imagery was officially released on August 10, 2026.
- Image processing for this release was performed by Alyssa Pagan of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI).