The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has recently provided breathtaking images of 19 spiral galaxies, revealing intricate details in their galactic arms and dense galactic cores. These images were captured as part of the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) program, which aims to deepen our understanding of the interaction between gas, star formation, and galactic structure and evolution.
What sets the JWST apart from its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, is its ability to see in both near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) light. This allows the JWST to unveil previously unseen details. In the recently released images, the red-colored regions signify gas and dust emitting infrared light.
A notable feature captured by the JWST is the presence of bright diffraction spikes at the galactic centers of some spiral galaxies. These spikes indicate either the existence of an active supermassive black hole or a high concentration of stars. Additionally, the color variation within the galaxies is significant; stars near the center tend to be older and appear redder, while the younger and actively forming stars in the galactic arms appear blue.
To present a comprehensive understanding, the JWST images were released alongside the Hubble’s views of the same galaxies. This side-by-side comparison showcases the differences that arise due to the utilization of different light wavelengths. Observing various wavelengths of light can either expose or obscure different details within galaxies, further highlighting the importance of the JWST’s capabilities.
A notable contribution offered by the JWST’s data release is a catalog comprising approximately 100,000 star clusters. This data, combined with the stunning images, will fuel extensive research for years to come. Scientists hope that analyzing this information will deepen our understanding of how galaxies form and evolve as well as uncover more insights into the intricate relationships between stars, gas, and galactic structures.
The James Webb Space Telescope undeniably marks a significant milestone in space exploration. Its ability to capture stunning images and provide detailed data is sure to pave the way for countless groundbreaking discoveries, propelling humankind’s understanding of the universe to unprecedented heights.
