One nebula, two perspectives: NASA’s Webb telescope captures it in striking colours

Astronomers have revealed two remarkable images of nebula NGC 6072, showing how one object looks entirely different when observed through separate Webb instruments. Each view tells its own cosmic story.

What do the images reveal?
The first picture was captured using Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera, or NIRCam. This device collects light between 0.6 and 5 microns, showing details in deep shades of red and orange. The image highlights fine structures spreading from a bright centre, with stars and distant galaxies visible across the field.

The second image came from MIRI, the Mid-Infrared Instrument. Unlike NIRCam, it studies longer wavelengths, giving the nebula a cooler blue and green appearance. This view shows less fine detail but makes the central star much clearer.

How do different telescopes contribute?
Other telescopes study light beyond Webb’s reach, including visible light, radio waves, X-rays and even gamma rays. By combining these observations, astronomers build a fuller picture of how stars live and die. The Webb telescope remains the largest ever launched into space, offering a range of instruments that allow scientists to capture the universe from many perspectives.