Cat's Head Nebula

Cat's Head Nebula
Nebula
	HST image of the Cat's Head Nebula.
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Right ascension	10h 45m 59.76s
Declination	-60° 6' 23.76"
Distance	7,500-8,500 ly
Apparent dimensions (V)	2.3'
Constellation	Carina
	See also: Lists of nebulae

The Cat's Head Nebula is a globule located approximately 7,500–8,500 light years away in the constellation Carina, specifically within the Carina Nebula. JWST captured the object and its image was published on October 29, 2026.

Nomenclature

It was given the nickname due to its resemblance to a sitting cat. The "head" of the cat is turned to the right, showing the luminous eye.

Formation

The globule was formed when ultraviolet radiation and winds from massive stars carved a pillar into the shape of a cat's head. The luminous "eye" suggests that a young star is partially hidden inside.

References

1 2 3 4 "Cat's Head Nebula (Webb NIRCam Image)". NASA Science. Retrieved 29 October 2026.
1 2 3 "Ghostly Cat's Head Nebula Lurks Within Sight of NASA's Hubble, Webb". NASA Science. Retrieved 29 October 2026.
↑ "Cat's Head Nebula (Webb NIRCam image)". ESA/Hubble. Retrieved 29 October 2026.
↑ "Ghostly Cat's Head Nebula haunts the cosmos - Space photo of the day for Oct. 30, 2026". Space.com. Future plc. Retrieved 31 October 2026.

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[auto-1] 1 2 3 4 "Cat's Head Nebula (Webb NIRCam Image)". NASA Science. Retrieved 29 October 2026.

[auto1-2] 1 2 3 "Ghostly Cat's Head Nebula Lurks Within Sight of NASA's Hubble, Webb". NASA Science. Retrieved 29 October 2026.

[3] "Cat's Head Nebula (Webb NIRCam image)". ESA/Hubble. Retrieved 29 October 2026.

[4] "Ghostly Cat's Head Nebula haunts the cosmos - Space photo of the day for Oct. 30, 2026". Space.com. Future plc. Retrieved 31 October 2026.