NASA Webb Uncovers Unusual Galaxy Shaped by Cosmic Collision

Summary
Hidden structures of a galaxy shaped by past collision come into view in infrared light
For more than 200 years, Centaurus A has fascinated astronomers, continually revealing new discoveries as ground- and space-based telescopes have grown more powerful and expanded humanity’s view across the electromagnetic spectrum. First cataloged in the early 1800s, the galaxy later became known as one of the brightest radio sources in the sky and was eventually recognized as the product of a dramatic galactic merger. Today, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is taking astronomers farther than ever in the study of Centaurus A, piercing through thick dust to reveal hidden stars, structures, and activity in extraordinary detail, helping scientists trace how this turbulent galaxy formed and continues to evolve.
Full Article
In new images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to celebrate its fourth science anniversary, a familiar galaxy transforms into something far richer, and far more complex, than ever seen before. Webb’s unprecedented sensitivity across near- and mid-infrared wavelengths cuts through the thick lanes of dust that obscure Centaurus A’s center in visible light, showing a densely packed tapestry of individual stars and an active, everchanging galaxy. These images mark four years of better-than-anticipated performance and successful science operations for the most powerful space ...Visit NASA Science to view the full news release including article text and associated Webb imagery, graphics, scientific visualizations, videos, captions, text descriptions, and other information.
News releases highlighting the discoveries of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope are produced for NASA by the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, under NASA Contract NAS5-03127. News release content is developed by the News Team in STScI’s Office of Public Outreach.
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