The Pillow Nebula: NASA shares the brightest stellar explosion ever recorded that stuns astronomers

NGC 7027: The Pillow Planetary Nebula (Image: NASA)

A glowing cloud in the Cygnus constellation has baffled astronomers. Known as the Pillow Nebula or the Flying Carpet Nebula, NGC 7027 is both small and dazzling.

What makes this nebula so unusual?

The nebula is one of the brightest ever recorded. Its shape is also among the most unusual yet observed. Scientists say NGC 7027 began expanding around 600 years ago. Since then, it has shed shells of gas clearly seen in blue. In recent times, however, something unexpected has been spotted in its glow.

Astronomers note it now ejects gas and dust differently. Brown streams shoot outward in specific directions, forming a strange four-cornered pattern. The reason for this change remains unclear. Some theories suggest a complex process within its hidden centre.

What is at the centre of NGC 7027?

The source of the nebula is a secret to scientists. The most popular theory is that it is a close binary star system. Here, one star may shed gas onto a chaotic orbiting disk. This interaction could explain the erratic features now visible.

The nebula is approximately 3,000 light-years from Earth and is found in the Swan constellation or Cygnus. It was seen for the first time in 1878 and is still a favourite sight. Enthusiasts can see its strange glow even with an average backyard telescope.