5 NASA images explore mysteries of nebulae, stellar evolution and cosmic wonders | Mint

NASA's exploration of nebulae offers a breathtaking glimpse into the dynamic and colorful regions of space where stars are born and evolve.

Observations from powerful telescopes such as Hubble provide invaluable insights into these celestial phenomena, revealing the processes of star formation, mass ejection and the interplay of cosmic forces.

As NASA continues to study these remarkable structures, we are gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate fabric of the universe and the fundamental processes that shape our cosmic environment.

Planetary nebulae are formed by the death of Sun-like stars, resulting in a hot white dwarf when the star collapses and expels its outer layers, creating a cloud of gas and dust. However, one particular nebula, known as the 'Reaper', is unique in that its central star is not at the center.

Observations with the Hubble Space Telescope revealed unexpected features, including intersecting elliptical rings in the center that resemble an hourglass, along with intricate etchings on the walls. These arc-like patterns may be remnants of shells ejected when the star was younger.

The image consisted of three separate exposures taken by Hubble's Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2, using light from ionized nitrogen (red), hydrogen (green) and doubly ionized oxygen (blue), revealing the complex structure and vivid colors of the haze were emphasized.

Westerlund 1, one of the closest and most massive superstar clusters identified in our Milky Way, contains 50,000 to 100,000 times the mass of the Sun in a space less than six light-years wide.

If you were in this cluster, you would see hundreds of stars shining as brightly as the full moon.

Superstar clusters, which are young and dense, represent extreme environments for star and planet formation. Although Westerlund 1 is currently classified as an open cluster, it is expected to evolve into a globular cluster over time. Now that our galaxy has passed the era of peak star formation, only a few such clusters remain, offering insight into the past.

Westerlund 1 hosts a diverse population of evolved, massive stars and is expected to witness more than 1,500 supernovae in less than 40 million years, making it an essential natural laboratory for studying stellar evolution and the effects of star activity on the environment.

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick shares his reflections on his final days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as Crew-8's undocking is postponed until at least October 13 due to Hurricane Milton.

He describes a breathtaking view from Dragon Endeavor, where he now sleeps, with vibrant red and green aurora outside the window. After Crew-9's arrival, he moved from his crew quarters to accommodate fellow astronaut Nick Haag.

Although he misses his family and friends, he appreciates the unexpected opportunity to witness stunning auroras from both the dome and Endeavor with fellow astronaut Don Pettit. Dominick emphasizes the beauty of the experience and emphasizes the unique moments in space that come with delays.

A newly released image reveals a vibrant region of stars about 160,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way. This region contains cotton candy-like clouds of gas that have been ionized by young, massive stars, creating a striking cherry-pink appearance.

As one of the most energetic regions in the LMC, astronomers used the Hubble Space Telescope to study its dynamic environment. For more information about N11, viewers are encouraged to check the link in Hubble's biography.

The Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543) is one of the most complex planetary nebulae, captured in stunning detail by the Hubble Space Telescope. It has a bullseye pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, the edges of spherical bubbles projected onto the sky.

Observations indicate that the central star ejected its mass in pulses approximately every 1,500 years, creating dust shells that together equal the mass of all planets in our solar system. Planetary nebulae, named for their planet-like appearance in early telescopes, represent the final stage in the evolution of Sun-like stars.

Several theories have been proposed to explain the bullseye patterns, including magnetic activity, the influence of a companion star, and stellar pulsations. Further observations and research are needed to clarify these possible explanations.