The James Webb Space Telescope from NASA/ESA/CSA has successfully captured an impressive image of the spiral galaxy known as M51, with its majestic and irregular ‘arms.’
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The newest highly detailed image was captured thanks to the ‘Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI)’ of the Webb and is part of a series of observations collectively titled “Feedback in Emerging Extragalactic Star Clusters,” or FEAST, which explores star formation in galaxies beyond the Milky Way.
The Whirlpool Galaxy, or M51, is located 27 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici and has a ‘turbulent relationship’ with the dwarf galaxy NGC 5195, which influences the shape of its spiral arms.
In the image, you can see the spiral galaxy occupying the entire frame, with its core mainly shining bright white. There is also a pale white and blue light radiating from stars and dust in the center of the core. The detailed ‘rings’ display deep orange and cloudy gray bands, interspersed with darker empty regions throughout the image.
Ripple effect 🌀
Seen here by Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) is the galaxy M51, also known as NGC 5194. The gravity of its neighbor, the dwarf galaxy NGC 5195, is thought to be partially responsible for those prominent & distinct spiral arms! More: https://t.co/6i0ZsjGGuQ pic.twitter.com/KAK7n191v5
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) August 29, 2023
