Once again, the James Webb Space Telescope has showcased its unparalleled ability to provide highly detailed images of nearby galaxies, utilizing a blend of near and mid-infrared light. NASA recently unveiled images of 19 neighboring galaxies captured by this powerful space observatory.
These images are part of the PHANGS (Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS) program, a collaborative effort involving over 150 astronomers worldwide. Through Webb’s NIRCam (Near-infrared camera), millions of stars are depicted shimmering in blue hues, some scattered across spiral arms while others form dense clusters.
Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) has captured the radiant glow of dust, revealing its presence around and between stars. Additionally, it highlights nascent stars still enveloped in gas and dust, resembling vivid red seeds atop dusty peaks, signifying the ongoing process of their formation.
Astronomers were astounded by the discovery of large, spherical shells composed of gas and dust, featured in the image. These formations are speculated to have formed through the explosive aftermath of one or more stars, carving cavities within the interstellar material.
By tracing the spiral arms, one can observe expansive regions of gas depicted in hues of red and orange. These structures typically exhibit consistent patterns within specific regions of galaxies. Analogous to waves, their spacing provides valuable insights into how a galaxy disperses its gas and dust resources.
Researchers theorize that galaxies expand outward from a central point, initiating star formation at the core and extending along the arms, thus forming the distinctive spiral structure. The distance from the galaxy’s core correlates with the age of stars, with outer regions typically hosting younger stars. Consequently, areas near the core are illuminated by blue-hued populations of older stars.
