Images of Red Spider Nebula revealed by NASA's Hubble and Webb telescopes

Red Spider Nebula Captured in Stunning Detail by Hubble and Webb (Image: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA/G. Mellema/J. H. Kastner)

The Red Spider Nebula gives a unique opportunity to see a dying star. This can be viewed in various angles through the NASA's Hubble and the Webb telescopes. The comparisons between the images during decades show the expansion and evolution of the nebula.

The Red Spider Nebula

The Red Spider Nebula showcases the beauty of a dying star. NASA’s Hubble shows the nebula in visible light whereas the Webb shows it in near-infrared light. It has a striking red-orange cross-like structure in visible light, caused by clouds of glowing gas.

It is dying star at the center is shedding its outer layers. The nebula has expanded over decades, offering astronomers a rare chance to watch stellar death in real time. It is located about 5,000 light-years away in our Milky Way galaxy.

Hubble’s Orange Glow

Hubble’s image highlights thick orange clouds forming a cross shape. The gas billows dramatically around the central dying star. Visible light reveals the nebula’s structure in striking detail.

This perspective emphasises the overall shape and spatial patterns clearly. Hubble’s data provides a baseline for comparison over time.

Hubble's view shows the nebula's distinctive structure and billowing clouds of gas. (Image: Hubble/NASA)

Webb’s Hidden Stars

The Webb sees the nebula in near-infrared light, penetrating dust. Many stars hidden behind gas clouds appear for the first time. The dust forms translucent blue loops meeting at the nebula’s center.

Infrared imaging reveals intricate structures invisible in visible light. This perspective uncovers the nebula’s inner complexity and depth.

Webb's near-infrared image, which reveals more stars hidden behind the gas and dust. (Image: Webb Telescope/NASA)

The Expansion of Nebula over the years

Hubble first observed the nebula more than 20 years ago. When the old and the new images are compared, it is observed that the nebula has expanded.

Scientists are able to study the changes as they know about the stellar evolution. The observations of insight on the dynamics of the gases and cosmological forces are being conducted. It gives significance to long term, multi-wavelength observatories.