The James Webb Space Telescope recently presented a stunning image showcasing the barred spiral galaxy NGC 5068, captured using two of Webb’s instruments. This galaxy, located approximately 20 million light-years away in the Virgo constellation, exhibits intricate dust patterns and bright star clusters. Revealed by NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during an event at the Copernicus Science Centre in Poland, this image contributes to a larger initiative to compile a comprehensive collection of observations on star formation in nearby galaxies.

Astronomers value such observations for two primary reasons. Firstly, star formation is a fundamental aspect of astronomy, influencing various fields, including the study of interstellar plasma and the evolution of galaxies. By closely observing the birth of stars in neighboring galaxies, astronomers hope to make significant scientific advancements using the initial data from Webb.

Secondly, Webb’s observations complement previous studies using telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based observatories. Webb’s dataset incorporates images of 19 nearby star-forming galaxies, combined with Hubble’s images of 10,000 star clusters, spectroscopic mapping of 20,000 star-forming emission nebulae from the Very Large Telescope (VLT), and observations of 12,000 dark, dense molecular clouds identified by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). This comprehensive collection spans the electromagnetic spectrum, granting astronomers an unparalleled opportunity to uncover the intricate details of star formation.

Webb can penetrate the gas and dust that enshroud newborn stars, making it ideal for investigating the processes governing star formation. While visible-light observatories like Hubble or the VLT are hindered by the opacity of swirling gas and dust, Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) and NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) can peer through these obstructions. By utilizing infrared wavelengths, astronomers can observe star formation as it occurs within the colossal dust clouds of NGC 5068. This image combines the imaging capabilities of MIRI and NIRCam, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the galaxy’s composition.

References

• Fisher, A. (2023, May 31). NASA’s Webb Space Telescope Peers Behind Bars [Text]. http://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-s-webb-space-telescope-peers-behind-bars