Drifting through the constellation Gemini, IC 443, also known as the Jellyfish Nebula, is a supernova remnant stretching across 70 light-years. This ghostly structure is the aftermath of a massive star that exploded approximately 30,000 years ago, leaving behind an intricate web of glowing filaments and turbulent gas clouds.

Resembling a jellyfish floating through the cosmic deep, the nebula’s twisted tendrils of ionized hydrogen (Hα) and oxygen (OIII) trace the shock waves from the explosion as they interact with the surrounding interstellar medium. The nebula’s complex, rippled appearance is a result of these shock fronts colliding with dense molecular clouds, lighting up the gas as they compress and energize it.

At the heart of IC 443 lies a compact neutron star, the remnant core of the exploded progenitor star. This dense stellar remnant, sometimes called a pulsar, is a lighthouse of high-energy radiation, hinting at the violent origins of the nebula. IC 443 is also a powerful emitter in X-rays and radio wavelengths, making it one of the most well-studied supernova remnants in the sky.

Captured in rich detail, this image showcases the striking contrast between the nebula’s delicate filaments and the dark void of space beyond—a haunting reminder of the immense forces that shape the cosmos and the cycle of stellar death and rebirth.