NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope have joined forces to capture stunning images of the starburst galaxy M82, shedding new light on its core.
Back in 2006, Hubble captured an image of M82, and now the NIRCam instrument on the James Webb Telescope has zoomed in on a small portion of the galaxy’s core, revealing intricate details never seen before.
One of the most striking features captured by the Webb telescope is the red filaments, which are actually polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions tracing the shape of the galactic wind. These filaments provide valuable insights into the dynamics of gas and dust within the galaxy.
The different colors seen in the images represent varying wavelengths of light, with Hubble capturing light at .814, .658, .555, and .435 microns, while the Webb telescope used filters to capture light at 3.35, 2.50, and 1.64 microns.
These stunning images were made possible through a collaborative effort involving NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and A. Bolatto from the University of Maryland. The combination of expertise and cutting-edge technology has allowed scientists to delve deeper into the mysteries of M82, unlocking new discoveries about this enigmatic galaxy.
Stay tuned for more updates as scientists continue to analyze these breathtaking images and unravel the secrets of M82. Guam News Factor will keep you informed on the latest developments in our ever-expanding universe.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”