Star's Final Breath Appears Like Columns of Smoke in Breathtaking James Webb Image

In a new image taken by the James Webb Space Telescope, the dying breaths of the star at the heart of the famous Helix Nebula are exposed in wonder and radiance. Imaged many times by previous space telescopes, the Helix Nebula is loved for its similarity to the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings films.

The circular shape reminiscent of an iris is made up of layers of gas and dust, with the hottest material taking on a blue color, and the coldest a red hue. NASA wrote that the colors show the star's final breath transforming into the raw ingredients for new worlds.

“Imaged many times by previous space telescopes, the Helix Nebula is loved for its similarity to the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings films.”