The James Webb Telescope shows us the “ghost galaxy” and a perfect vortex like never before

Webb Telescope recently noted in detail that Galaxy M74, using the Medium Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to learn more about the early stages of star formation in the local universe, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). These observations are part of a larger effort to map the 19 nearby star-forming galaxies in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

According to one press releaseThe absence of gas in the nuclear region made it possible to obtain a clearer picture of the star cluster that dominates the galactic core. M74 is a special type of file spiral galaxywhich some astronomers call the “big design spiral” because its spiral arms are well defined, while other spiral galaxies show more nebulous, irregular designs.

Unique galaxy

The “Ghost Galaxy” M74 It is classified as an “island universe”, because it has approximately 100 billion stars scattered throughout its expanse. It is located about 32 million light-years from Earth, in the constellation Pisces. Technically classified as a Sc galaxy, its gorgeous spiral pattern combines the brightness of blue star clusters with the dark color of cosmic dust lanes.

The perfect spiral of M74 has been associated on several occasions with his concept Fibonacci sequencedeveloped by the medieval Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa: It is a mathematical structure that also creates perfect circular designs with its results, by creating an infinite sequence that each number is the sum of the two previous ones.

At the same time, the suggestive shape of M74 was also compared to that of a Nautilus or Nautilus, a genus of cephalopod mollusks. This inquisitive animal has a shell arranged in a circular motion, creating practically perfect spiral shapes. it is clear that web telescope She turned her attention to one of the cosmic structures that has captivated humanity throughout history.

More detailed look

International cooperation PHANGS It aims to study M74 in depth as part of a group of 19 galaxies, which make up the so-called local group. These galaxies were previously observed using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, along with ground-based observatories.

However, the new notes web telescope in Longer wavelengths They will allow astronomers to determine star-forming regions in galaxies, accurately measure the masses and ages of star clusters, and gain important information about the nature of dust accumulations drifting through interstellar space.

Hubble observations of M74 revealed particularly bright regions of star formation, known as HII regions. By combining Hubble’s sharp vision at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths with Webb’s unparalleled sensitivity at infrared wavelengths, along with observations from ground-based radio telescopes such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), astronomers are preparing Uncover all the mysteries of the “ghost galaxy”.