NASA’s Webb Telescope has captured a prelude to a supernova, giving astronomers a rare glimpse into the impending “death” of a star. The stunning images were released last week, revealing a massive star in its final stages.

According to NASA, the star, located in the constellation Orion, is shedding intense streams of gas and dust as it nears the end of its life. Astronomers believe that the explosion will occur within the next few years, giving them a chance to study the process up close.

“Supernovas are some of the most energetic and violent events in the universe,” said NASA’s Dr. Emily Harman. “By capturing this prelude to a supernova, we can learn more about how stars live and die, and the impact they have on the cosmos.”

The images were captured by the Webb Telescope’s Near Infrared Camera, which is designed to study the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. The telescope, which is set to launch later this year, has already been hailed as a game-changer in the field of astronomy.

The discovery of the impending supernova is just the latest in a series of groundbreaking finds by NASA and other space organizations. In recent years, scientists have uncovered evidence of water on Mars, detected gravitational waves from black holes, and detected exoplanets with the potential to support life.

As for the upcoming supernova, NASA scientists say they will continue to monitor the star in the coming years in hopes of gaining even more insight into the complex workings of the universe.