Webb’s infrared view of a face-on spiral galaxy
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have produced a false-color infrared view of M74, a face-on spiral galaxy located 32 million light years away.
The montage above shows that image to the right, with a Hubble optical image to the left. In the center both images are combined.
The addition of crystal-clear Webb observations at longer wavelengths will allow astronomers to pinpoint star-forming regions in the galaxies, accurately measure the masses and ages of star clusters, and gain insights into the nature of the small grains of dust drifting in interstellar space.
Because infrared can see through cold dust, it provides a much sharper view of this galaxy’s central regions.
Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have produced a false-color infrared view of M74, a face-on spiral galaxy located 32 million light years away.
The montage above shows that image to the right, with a Hubble optical image to the left. In the center both images are combined.
The addition of crystal-clear Webb observations at longer wavelengths will allow astronomers to pinpoint star-forming regions in the galaxies, accurately measure the masses and ages of star clusters, and gain insights into the nature of the small grains of dust drifting in interstellar space.
Because infrared can see through cold dust, it provides a much sharper view of this galaxy’s central regions.