With a hypnotic new image released on Tuesday (Aug. 29), the James Webb Space Telescope allows us to gaze within a spiral galaxy floating some 27 million light-years away from Earth.
It's a vibrant snapshot representing a realm named M51 (also known as NGC 5194 or the Whirlpool galaxy) that brilliantly captures the rocky relationship this galaxy has with its nearby neighbor, a dwarf galaxy named NGC 5195. It is, in fact, partially because of this galactic interaction that M51 may have such an ornate pattern in the first place.
"The gravitational influence of M51's smaller companion is thought to be partially responsible for the stately nature of the galaxy's prominent and distinct spiral arms," the European Space Agency said in a statement about the visual.
And on the note of those stunning spiral arms, one intriguing fact about M51 is its winding structure dubs it a "grand-design" galaxy rather than just a standard spiral galaxy.
This image captures the winding arms of the Whirlpool galaxy. It highlights the galaxy's graceful, curving arms, pink star-forming regions and brilliant blue strands of star clusters.
New image of M51 from Webb Telescope released on August 29, 2023.
🚀 Embark on an interstellar journey like never before as we take you on an extraordinary voyage to the heart of the universe. 🌠✨
🔭 The enigmatic grand-design spiral galaxy M51, also known as NGC 5194, has just revealed its captivating beauty in stunning detail through the lens of the James Webb Space Telescope. 📸🌟 Brace yourselves for an awe-inspiring exploration that delves deep into the cosmos, unraveling the cosmic drama of star formation and galactic evolution.
🌠 From the graceful spiral arms that wind through the vastness of space to the mesmerizing interplay of colors that illuminate its core, this image is a true masterpiece. 💫💖
🪐 Join us as we decipher the tales of stellar nurseries, dynamic galactic interactions, and the exquisite dance of light and shadow in M51. 🎉🌌
🌟 Read the Full Article Here
✨ Prepare to be captivated by the universe's hidden wonders, as James Webb opens a window into the cosmos that will leave you breathless. 🌌🔍 #JamesWebb #M51 #CosmicWonders #SpaceExploration #StellarSymphony
Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
6/18/2022
Taken with: Celestron AVX mount and EdgeHD 800 optical tube, Celestron OAG, ZWO 174mini guide camera, ZWO ASI294 MC Pro camera
60s x 60 Exposures
Controlled With: Starsense Hand Control, ASIAIR Plus
Process: ASI DeepStack, Lightroom for color noise reduction and contrast increase, color correction and dehazing