Intricacies of Helix Nebula Revealed With NASA's Webb
20 Jan 2026 10:00am Release ID: 2026-103
Summary
New image offers most detailed infrared view of iconic nebula to date
First spotted in the early 1800s, the Helix Nebula has become one of the most iconic planetary nebulas in the sky, often referred to as the โEye of Godโ or the โEye of Sauronโ for its striking, ring-like shape. One of the closest planetary nebulas to Earth, it has become a favorite among astronomers using ground- and space-based telescopes to study the final moments of a dying star in the greatest detail. NASAโs James Webb Space Telescope has now leveled those studies up, offering the clearest infrared look at this familiar object.
Article link:
https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/intricacies-of-helix-nebula-revealed-with-nasas-webb/
The 14 second video compares images of the Helix Nebula from three NASA observatories: Hubbleโs image in visible light, Spitzerโs infrared view, and Webbโs high-resolution near-infrared look.
Pic Description[Top]:
This new image of a portion of the Helix Nebula from NASAโs James Webb Space Telescope highlights comet-like knots, fierce stellar winds, and layers of gas shed off by a dying star interacting with its surrounding environment.
Credits: Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Image Processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI)
Pic Description [Dual]:
This image of the Helix Nebula from the ground-based Visible and Infrared Telescope for Astronomy (left) shows the full view of the planetary nebula, with a box highlighting Webbโs field of view (right).
Image: ESO, VISTA, NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, J. Emerson (ESO); Acknowledgment: CASU
Observatory Comparison (Hubble_Spitzer_Webb).mp4