NASA’s Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes Capture Stunning Images of Starburst Galaxy M82
In a groundbreaking collaboration, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of the starburst galaxy M82 back in 2006. Known for its intense star formation activity, M82’s core has now been further observed by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, revealing stunning new details.
The NIRCam instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope captured vibrant red filaments within the galaxy, indicating the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission. These filaments beautifully trace the shape of the galactic wind within M82, providing valuable insights into the galaxy’s dynamics.
The Hubble image utilizes various filters to display light at different wavelengths, showcasing the galaxy’s core in all its glory. In contrast, the Webb image presents light at 3.35 microns as red, 2.50 microns as green, and 1.64 microns as blue, offering a unique perspective on M82’s composition.
This collaborative effort involved NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and A. Bolatto from the University of Maryland, highlighting the importance of cooperation in advancing our understanding of the universe. The stunning images captured by these two powerful telescopes serve as a testament to the incredible discoveries that await us in the vast reaches of space.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest astronomical discoveries on Poh Diaries.
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