Exploring the Phantom Galaxy: A Closer Look with Webb

NASA recently shared a fresh image of the Phantom Galaxy, also known as M74 and NGC 628. Unlike previous images, this one was captured using both the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) and Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam) of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This combination allowed scientists from the FEAST team to observe star-forming regions more effectively. By analyzing how much energy from stars spreads into the surroundings, they can understand better how stars are born. The new findings indicated that the spiral arms of the Phantom Galaxy are more active in star formation. The addition of NIRCam’s ability to see hydrogen emission lines, less obscured by dust, revealed the formation of massive stars in these regions. This image is significant as it provides new insights into stellar feedback and star formation in galaxies beyond our own Milky Way.