Hubble image archive
Cat’s Head Nebula (Webb MIRI Image)
In NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s mid-infrared image, emission from warm dust and carbon-based molecules excited by starlight outlines intricate structures within the nebula. Changes in local conditions and compositions cause variations in color and brightness. Fine strands...
- Date
- Oct 29, 2026
- Mission
- Hubble Space Telescope
- Archive ID
- cats-head-nebula-webb-miri-image
In NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s mid-infrared image, emission from warm dust and carbon-based molecules excited by starlight outlines intricate structures within the nebula. Changes in local conditions and compositions cause variations in color and brightness. Fine strands and globules are especially apparent to the left of the main pillar.
To the right of the pillar, a bright yellow light source is seen against reddish mid-infrared emission, probably an infant star embedded in dust. A narrow filament appears to cross the likely star, although its physical relationship to the star is not established. Several blue stars are scattered throughout, some with Webb’s characteristic diffraction spikes.
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Image Details
About the Object
| R.A. Position | 10:45:59.76 |
|---|---|
| Dec. Position | -60:06:23.76 |
| Constellation | Carina |
| Distance | 7,500 - 8,500 light-years |
| Dimensions | Image is about 5.3 arcmin across (about 12.3 light-years) |
About the Data
| Data Description | This image was created with Webb data from proposal: 12591 (M. Garcia Marin). |
|---|---|
| Instrument | MIRI |
| Exposure Dates | May 27, 2026 |
| Filters | F770W, F1130W, F1500W |
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Source
Image and source material are credited to the official mission archive linked below.
View on NASA.gov