NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has obtained new images of NGC 2392, known as the Lion Nebula. The observations, released on August 10, 2026, reveal with unprecedented clarity and detail the structure of this planetary nebula, especially its characteristic “mane,” thanks to the high resolution of Webb’s instruments.

NGC 2392 is a bipolar planetary nebula, formed from the outer layers of a dying Sun-like star. The name “Lion Nebula” comes from its appearance, with a bright core representing the “head” and an envelope of gas and dust extending like a “mane.” The new Webb images will allow astronomers to more precisely study the chemical composition, temperature, and expansion dynamics of these ejected layers, offering clues about stellar evolution processes in the final stages of intermediate-mass stars.

This advance in the observation of NGC 2392 underscores the JWST’s capability to capture fine details in celestial objects that were previously difficult to resolve. The sharpness of the images provided by Webb is crucial for unraveling the complex morphology of planetary nebulae, which often exhibit intricate and asymmetrical structures. These data will contribute to a better understanding of how solar-type stars enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements before becoming white dwarfs.