Menu

Post image 1
Post image 2
Post image 3
Post image 4
1 / 4
0

The Whirlpool Galaxy comes alive | Space photo of the day for May 13, 2026

Reading 0:00
15s threshold

(Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, A. Pedrini, A. Adamo (Stockholm University) and the FEAST JWST team) The Whirlpool Galaxy sprawls across the cosmos in this striking new snapshot from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). What is it? The Whirlpool Galaxy was captured in this image by JWST's Near-Infrared Camera ( NIRCam ), according to a statement . This is JWST's primary instrument for seeing the universe in near-infrared light, which is a range of the electromagnetic wavelengths just out of our eyes' reach. By seeing in near-infrared, NIRCam was able to capture this incredible view of part of the Whirlpool Galaxy. Located in the constellation Canes Vanatici, the spiral galaxy is made up of long swirls of gas and dust speckled with stars . Beyond being just a beautiful cosmic sight, the formations of dust and gas that comprise this galaxy are actually a star-forming region. Here, gases like hydrogen and dust are compressed, condensing into new stars. Why is it incredible?…

Continue reading — create a free account

Join HashtagPLUS to read full articles, follow hashtags, vote, and join the conversation.

Read More