Lion Nebula Roars in Webb’s Sights

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured new images of NGC 2392, the planetary nebula nicknamed the Lion Nebula, using its NIRCam and MIRI instruments. The nebula's structure is shaped by the remains of its central star, which have created a bubble of ionized gas and dust resembling a lion's face, complete with a detailed 'mane.'

The high-resolution images, released on Aug. 10, 2026, were processed by Alyssa Pagan (STScI). Webb's sharp infrared vision reveals the nebula's mane in striking clarity, offering a new view of this well-known planetary nebula.

These observations demonstrate Webb's ability to study the complex structures of planetary nebulae, which are formed when Sun-like stars shed their outer layers at the end of their lives.