Hubble and Webb Reveal Star-Forming Structures in the Cat’s Head Nebula

New images from the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes are revealing different layers of the Cat’s Head Nebula, a star-forming structure within the larger Carina Nebula, NASA and Live Science reported.

Located about 7,500 light-years from Earth, the column of gas and dust resembles a cat sitting with its back towards the viewer and its head turned to the right. Observations across visible, near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths expose different features of the same structure.

NASA said the complementary images are helping astronomers investigate star formation. Its separate image announcement identified October 29, 2026, as the release date for Webb’s mid-infrared view.

According to NASA, intense ultraviolet radiation and winds from massive stars probably shaped the pillar. These processes erode surrounding material, while denser parts of the structure resist being dispersed.

Hubble’s visible-light image shows a dark brown dust pillar bordered by a luminous rim. NASA described that rim as consistent with gas illuminated and ionised by nearby massive stars, potentially undergoing photoevaporation. Live Science likewise described the wispy right-hand edge as material being gradually stripped away by stellar radiation.

The surrounding colours also carry information. NASA and Live Science reported that oxygen, hydrogen and sulfur contribute to the scene. NASA explained that Hubble’s filters capture emissions from those elements alongside starlight scattered by dust, revealing differences in gas excitation and illumination.

The apparent eye is described with different levels of certainty. NASA said the red glow may indicate a young star still partly embedded in dust. Live Science identified it as an embedded young star and suggested it could be altering the surrounding material.

Webb’s near-infrared image makes parts of the dust column more transparent, exposing intricate structures and many additional stars. NASA and Live Science also noted that background galaxies become visible through the surrounding material.

NASA described delicate wisps to the pillar’s left that are exposed to radiation from nearby massive stars. Live Science highlighted a hand-like appearance in that area and described the infrared view as showing a more complex, turbulent interior.

The mid-infrared image reveals another aspect of the nebula. NASA said emission from warm dust and carbon-based molecules excited by starlight traces fine structures, including globules and strands to the left. Differences in composition and local conditions affect their brightness and colour.

Live Science more specifically attributed the smoky, bluish emission to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, molecules containing carbon and hydrogen, citing the European Space Agency.

A bright source to the right receives differing interpretations. NASA described it as likely an infant star embedded in dust, against reddish surrounding emission. A narrow filament appears to cross it, although NASA cautioned that the image cannot establish a physical connection.

Live Science instead characterised the orange spot as unexplained, citing ESA, and said its relationship to the nebula was unknown.

Together, the views show how the same pillar changes in appearance across wavelengths while retaining its overall shape. NASA said the structure is temporary and will eventually disperse as stars form and evolve.

Sources

• NASA: Ghostly Cat’s Head Nebula Lurks Within Sight of NASA’s Hubble, Webb
• NASA: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Captures Eerie Cat’s Head
• Live Science: Webb and Hubble discover new details in one of our galaxy's spookiest objects