Overview
- NIRCam imaging exposes an exceptionally hot central star wrapped in a shroud of hot dust that likely orbits in a disc.
- The nebula’s H2-traced lobes are resolved as closed, bubble-like structures, each stretching roughly three light-years.
- An elongated S-shaped streak of ionized iron marks a fast jet slamming into earlier ejecta, revealing active outflows.
- Scientists note a companion star could be hidden near the center, a possibility that might explain the hourglass shape.
- The observations come from Webb GO programme #4571 led by J. H. Kastner, with results reported alongside an Astrophysical Journal study as part of a joint Chandra–JWST effort.