Spiral galaxies have long captivated astronomers and space enthusiasts alike with their stunning beauty and intricate structures. Recently, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided a new perspective on these celestial wonders, showcasing the inner workings of 19 face-on spiral galaxies in near- and mid-infrared light. The images captured by Webb reveal a wealth of detail, from the clustering of older stars at galaxy cores to the glowing dust encircling emerging stars, painted in shades of red and orange. These high-resolution images also offer a glimpse into the intricate network of gas and dust, with large spherical shells hinting at the explosive history of these cosmic entities. Additionally, several galaxy cores exhibit pink-and-red diffraction spikes, signaling the presence of active supermassive black holes or central star clusters. The release of these images marks a significant contribution to the Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS) program, which combines data from various observatories to study galaxies across different light spectra. Webb’s images not only provide researchers with new insights into star formation and galaxy evolution but also open up avenues for further exploration and analysis. By cataloging millions of stars and releasing a catalog of 100,000 star clusters, the PHANGS team aims to support the scientific community in unraveling the mysteries of these cosmic marvels. The James Webb Space Telescope continues to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe, offering a window into the distant worlds of other stars and shedding light on the origins of our cosmic home.
