James Webb Space Telescope Captures Cosmic Whirlpool in New Images

The cosmic whirlpool captured by JWST. Photo: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, A. Adamo (Stockholm University) and the FEAST JWST team

“This fresh perspective on M51, also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy, will provide us with a unique insight into the intricacies of the star formation process and how it shapes the galaxies,” says Angela Adamo, associate professor at Stockholm University and principal investigator of the program.

Situated approximately 27 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici, M51 shares its celestial neighborhood with the dwarf galaxy NGC 5195. Their gravitational interaction has turned them into one of the most studied galactic pairs. The influence of NGC 5195 on M51 is believed to contribute to the distinct appearance of M51's spiral arms. Earlier observations of M51 by the Hubble Space Telescope have also added to our understanding of this cosmic companionship.

JWST´s recent images of the spiral galaxy M51 have captured the fascination of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. The intricate winding arms of the galaxy, resembling a cosmic whirlpool, spread across the visual frame with remarkable clarity. Unlike the irregular spiral arms found in some galaxies, M51's grand-design spiral arms are prominently displayed in this composite image.

The imagery is a result of merging data collected by two of Webb's advanced instruments: the Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam) and the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI). The collaborative effort of ESA, NASA, and CSA in building JWST, and the scientific efforts of the international JWST FEAST team, has produced a cosmic portrait that reveals different aspects of M51. 

“The deep red regions represent warm dust permeating the galaxy, while crimson areas showcase reprocessed light originating from complex molecules forming on dust particles. Shades of orange and yellow unveil sections of ionized gas created by newly formed star clusters. This interplay of elements paints a vivid picture of the processes shaping the galaxy”, says Angela Adamo.

Determining the pace of star formation

These captivating observations of M51 are part of a series titled "Feedback in Emerging extrAgalactic Star clusTers" (FEAST). The FEAST project aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between stellar feedback and star formation in galaxies beyond our Milky Way. Stellar feedback, the process of energy being released from stars into their environment, plays a crucial role in determining the pace of star formation. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing accurate models of universal star formation.

The significance of FEAST lies in its exploration of stellar nurseries in galaxies beyond our own. While previous observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array have provided glimpses of star formation, JWST's capabilities offer a fresh perspective on the earliest stages of star formation, energy reprocessing, and more. 

“The emergence of star clusters from their birth clouds in distant galaxies is now observable for the first time. This allows scientists to study the enrichment of newly formed stars with metals and the depletion of surrounding gas”, says Angela Adamo. 

As we delve deeper into these mechanisms, our understanding of star formation cycles, metal enrichment in galaxies, and the timelines for planetary and brown dwarf formation will expand. The JWST’s images not only showcase the beauty of the cosmos but also contribute to unlocking the mysteries of the universe's evolution.

The ESA image release.