New images that combine data from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and several space- and ground-based telescopes show spiral galaxies NGC 1672 and Messier 74, the star-forming nebula Messier 16, and the star cluster NGC 346.
Each image combines infrared data from both Webb and NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope; X-rays from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA’s XMM-Newton; and optical data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and ESO’s New Technology Telescope.
NGC 1672 is a barred spiral galaxy located 52 million light-years away in the constellation of Dorado.
In regions close to their centers, the arms of barred spiral galaxies are mostly in a straight band of stars across the center that encloses the core, as opposed to other spirals that have arms that twist all the way to their core.
“The Chandra data reveal compact objects like neutron stars or black holes pulling material from companion stars as well as the remnants of exploded stars,” NASA astronomers said.
“Additional data from Hubble help fill out the spiral arms with dust and gas, while Webb data show dust and gas in the galaxy’s spiral arms.”
Messier 74 is located some 32 million light-years away in the equatorial constellation of Pisces.
This spiral galaxy was discovered in September 1780 by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain.
Also known as the Phantom Galaxy, M74, NGC 628, LEDA 5974 and HIPASS J0136+15, Messier 74 has a diameter of 95,000 light-years.
Messier 74 is a particular class of spiral galaxy known as a grand design spiral, meaning that its spiral arms are prominent and well-defined, unlike the patchy and ragged structure seen in some spiral galaxies.
The galaxy is the brightest member of the M74 Group, a group of several spiral and irregular galaxies.
“Webb outlines gas and dust in the infrared while Chandra data spotlight high-energy activity from stars at X-ray wavelengths,” the astronomers said.
“Hubble optical data showcase additional…
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