A Cosmic Cat Through the Eyes of Two Telescopes (3 Photos)

In Hubble's view, a pillar of cosmic dust resembles a cat sitting with its back to the viewer. Its head is turned to the right, marked by a glowing red spot right where an eye would be. Located in the Carina Nebula about 7,500 light-years from Earth, this striking region was featured in new images released by NASA on October 29.





Hubble, visible light. NASA, ESA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale.

Visible light leaves much of the cloud's inner structure hidden behind dense dust. James Webb’s near-infrared view, however, pierces through to reveal a sea of stars and complex cloud features. The glowing "eye" is likely tied to a young star still embedded within the dust.



James Webb, NIRCam. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale.

A third perspective, captured in mid-infrared wavelengths, showcases radiation emitted by warm dust and carbon-bearing molecules—giving the exact same region a dramatically different look.



James Webb, MIRI. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale.

Intense radiation and stellar winds from nearby massive stars likely sculpted the pillar's distinct shape. While its dense pockets of dust have so far resisted destruction, this cosmic silhouette is ultimately living on borrowed time.