Webb Telescope Captures Stunning Detail of Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 1365
A new image from the James Webb Space Telescope reveals breathtaking detail of the barred spiral galaxyNGC 1365, showcasing its intricate structure and vibrant star formation activity.
Located a mere 56 million light-years away in the southern constellationFornax, NGC 1365 is a colossal galaxy spanning a diameter of approximately 200,000 light-years – twice the sizeof our own Milky Way. This mesmerizing image, captured by Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), unveils the galaxy’s beauty in infrared light, revealing features previously hidden from view.
The image showcases the galaxy’sprominent bar structure, a central region of elongated stars that extends across the galactic core. From this bar, majestic spiral arms unfurl, adorned with vibrant star clusters and glowing gas clouds. The intricate network of dusty filaments and bubbles within these armsis a testament to the ongoing process of star formation, where massive stars are born and subsequently sculpt their surroundings.
Webb’s powerful infrared vision allows astronomers to peer through the veil of dust that often obscures galactic features. This enables them to study the galaxy’s core in unprecedented detail, revealing the presence of bright, young star clusters that are actively forming new stars.
The image also highlights the intricate interplay between stars, gas, and dust within NGC 1365. The bright, blue regions represent areas of active star formation, while the reddish hues indicate the presence of dust and cooler gas. This interplay is crucial for understanding theevolution of galaxies and the formation of stars and planets.
This stunning image of NGC 1365 is a testament to the power of the James Webb Space Telescope and its ability to unveil the universe’s hidden wonders. It provides invaluable insights into the structure, evolution, and star formation processes within barred spiral galaxies,further enriching our understanding of the cosmos.
References:
- NASA, ESA, CSA, Janice Lee (NOIRLab) – Processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI)
- Astronomy Picture of the Day
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