The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a detailed infrared image of the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 83). Unlike visible light, which is scattered by dust, infrared wavelengths can penetrate these clouds, allowing astronomers to peel back layers and study the galaxy’s structure in unprecedented detail. The image highlights regions of active star formation, older stars, and concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — important molecules for understanding galactic chemistry.
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