Google celebrates World Space Week 2026 with Rosebud Nebula Doodle

Google released a special Doodle to commemorate World Space Week 2026, featuring an image of the Rosebud Nebula. The artwork is inspired by recent imagery captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.

The Rosebud Nebula, located approximately 3,300 light-years from Earth in the Cepheus constellation, is a reflection nebula that serves as a stellar nursery containing over 130 young stars. The nebula’s gas and dust clouds form a structure resembling a rosebud, with radiation from stars creating a characteristic pink glow.

World Space Week is observed annually from October 4 to 10, a tradition established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999. The dates honor the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 and the entry into force of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967. The theme for 2026 is ‘Rocket Revolution,’ focusing on the evolution of launch systems and the increasing involvement of private companies in space exploration.