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James Webb Reveals Helix Nebula's Stunning Star Death

1/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The James Webb Space Telescope released an image of the Helix Nebula, showing a white-dwarf's dying phase.
The Helix Nebula lies about 650 light-years from Earth and has been observed for over 200 years.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) notes blue marks hot material and red marks cooler gas and dust, illustrating the star's final breath.
The star's final breath will help form new stars and planets.

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Story summary

The James Webb Space Telescope released an image of the Helix Nebula, showing a white-dwarf's dying phase.
The Helix Nebula lies about 650 light-years from Earth and has been observed for over 200 years.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) notes blue marks hot material and red marks cooler gas and dust, illustrating the star's final breath.
The star's final breath will help form new stars and planets.