James Webb Space Telescope releases new Messier 77 galaxy image
Updated
Updated · European Space Agency · May 7
James Webb Space Telescope releases new Messier 77 galaxy image
7 articles · Updated · European Space Agency · May 7
The Picture of the Month shows the barred spiral 45 million light-years away in Cetus, using Webb's MIRI instrument to reveal its bright active nucleus and dust-filled disc.
The galaxy's central supermassive black hole, about eight million solar masses, powers the glare, while a starburst ring more than 6,000 light-years across marks intense star formation.
Data from observing programme 3707 surveyed nearby massive star-forming galaxies, with the image expected to aid studies of star formation, gas reservoirs and galaxy evolution.
JWST sees through cosmic dust. What other secrets are now being revealed?
Are the universe's first giant black holes actually smaller than we thought?
What if a galaxy's shape is the key to awakening its central monster?