James Webb Space Telescope reveals stunning new image of barred spiral galaxy NGC 5068

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In this captivating image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, a mesmerizing tapestry of dust and luminous star clusters weaves its way across the cosmic canvas. The ethereal wisps of gas and stars belong to the barred spiral galaxy NGC 5068, with its prominent central bar visible in the upper left portion of the composite image created using two of Webb’s instruments. The unveiling of this image took place during an event at the Copernicus Science Center in Warsaw, Poland, led by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in the presence of enthusiastic students.

Located approximately 20 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, NGC 5068 takes center stage in this image, showcasing its vibrant and active star-forming regions. This captivating snapshot is part of an extensive campaign aimed at building an astronomical treasure trove—a comprehensive repository of observations on star formation in nearby galaxies. Prior additions to this collection have already enthralled astronomers, such as the images of IC 5332 and M74.

These observations hold immense value for astronomers for two primary reasons. Firstly, star formation lies at the heart of numerous fields within astronomy, spanning from the intricate physics governing the interstellar medium to the evolutionary processes of entire galaxies. By closely studying the birth of stars in neighboring galaxies, astronomers anticipate initiating groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs with the initial data provided by the James Webb Space Telescope.

In this image of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 5068, from the James Webb Space Telescope’s MIRI instrument, the dusty structure of the spiral galaxy and glowing bubbles of gas containing newly-formed star clusters are particularly prominent. Three asteroid trails intrude into this image, represented as tiny blue-green-red dots. Asteroids appear in astronomical images such as these because they are much closer to the telescope than the distant target. As Webb captures several images of the astronomical object, the asteroid moves, so it shows up in a slightly different place in each frame. They are a little more noticeable in images such as this one from MIRI, because many stars are not as bright in mid-infrared wavelengths as they are in near-infrared or visible light, so asteroids are easier to see next to the stars. One trail lies just below the galaxy’s bar, and two more in the bottom-left corner. Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST Team

Furthermore, the significance of Webb’s observations lies in their synergy with studies conducted by other telescopes, including the iconic Hubble Space Telescope and various ground-based observatories. Webb’s data complements and enhances the existing wealth of astronomical knowledge. The telescope has captured images of 19 neighboring galaxies undergoing active star formation, providing a valuable dataset that can be combined with Hubble’s images of over 10,000 star clusters. In addition, spectroscopic mapping of 20,000 star-forming emission nebulae from the powerful Very Large Telescope (VLT) and observations of 12,000 dark, dense molecular clouds identified by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) contribute to this comprehensive endeavor.

This multi-faceted approach encompasses observations across the electromagnetic spectrum, affording astronomers an unprecedented opportunity to meticulously piece together the intricacies of star formation. By combining data from various instruments and telescopes, scientists can delve deeper into understanding the fine details and processes involved in the birth of stars. Webb’s observations serve as a vital puzzle piece in this grand cosmic mosaic, enabling astronomers to unravel the complexities of the universe’s stellar nurseries.

This view of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 5068, from the James Webb Space Telescope’s NIRCam instrument, is studded by the galaxy’s massive population of stars, most dense along its bright central bar, along with burning red clouds of gas illuminated by young stars within. This near-infrared image of the galaxy is filled by the enormous gathering of older stars which make up the core of NGC 5068. The keen vision of NIRCam allows astronomers to peer through the galaxy’s gas and dust to closely examine its stars. Dense and bright clouds of dust lie along the path of the spiral arms: These are H II regions, collections of hydrogen gas where new stars are forming. The young, energetic stars ionize the hydrogen around them, creating this glow represented in red. Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST Team

Webb’s exceptional capability to penetrate the veils of gas and dust enveloping nascent stars positions it as an ideal instrument for unraveling the mysteries of star formation. The birth of stars and planetary systems occurs within turbulent clouds of gas and dust, rendering them opaque to traditional observatories like Hubble or the VLT that rely on visible light. However, Webb’s remarkable infrared vision, facilitated by instruments like MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) and NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera), bestows astronomers with the power to peer directly through these colossal dust clouds in NGC 5068. As a result, they can witness the very processes of star formation as they unfold.

By harnessing the combined capabilities of MIRI and NIRCam, this image offers a truly extraordinary glimpse into the intricate composition of NGC 5068. The keen infrared eyes of Webb’s instruments allow us to bypass the obstacles that hinder visible-light observations, providing a unique perspective on the mechanisms driving the formation of stars within this celestial marvel. It is through these advanced instruments that Webb unveils the hidden beauty and dynamics of NGC 5068, shedding light on the enigmatic journey from cosmic dust to blazing stars.

Source: NASA

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