The Boomerang Nebula meme centers on the astronomical discovery of a protoplanetary nebula located 5,000 light-years away, known for being the coldest natural place in the universe at just one degree above absolute zero. In internet culture, the nebula's ethereal, bow-tie-like image is often paired with text comparing its extreme temperature to human behavior, such as a cold personality, a harsh rejection, or a lack of empathy. It gained traction in science and space communities on platforms like Reddit and Twitter, eventually evolving into a relatable mood meme for anyone feeling emotionally distant or describing a particularly chilly social interaction.