The James Webb image reveals the huge spiral that dominates the phantom galaxy M74 .
It also joined Hubble to make a joint image of the star.
The phantom galaxy
The ‘ghost galaxy’ is located 32 million light years from Earth, in the constellation of Pisces.
In addition to its preferred location, which is “in front” of our planet, it maintains spiral arms that attract scientists: unlike other galaxies, its shape is prominent and defined.
James Webb was able to photograph it thanks to his Mid-InfraRed instrument (MIRI), which covers a wavelength of 5 to 28 microns (This allows the instrument to capture wide-field and broadband images of distant galaxies, forming stars and comets which are also faintly visible).
Join your predecessor
James Webb compared his image to Hubble’s, leaving us with a unique combination.
Images of M74 previously captured by the Hubble Space Telescope show bright areas of star formation, which are called HII regions. ESA researchers superimposed data from the current telescope on these images to get the new details of it.
Similar information newly discovered from James Webb will also help astronomers identify regions of early formation in other galaxies, measure masses and ages of star clusters, and learn more about dust drifting in space, the ESA said on its website . .