APOD: 2026 September 16 – Webb’s View of M64
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 September 16 –… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. Hubble + WebbHubble […]
On September 16, 2026, the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) featured a composite image of Messier 64 (M64), also known as the Black Eye Galaxy. This striking galaxy, located relatively nearby in the universe, provides a fascinating study through the collaboration of two space telescopes: Hubble and Webb.
The dark band of dust partially obscuring M64's bright core is a prominent feature that earned the galaxy its nickname. This dust band, seen in red by Webb's Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), absorbs and re-emits light from newborn stars that are embedded in pink star-forming regions in the Hubble-only image.
One of the most intriguing aspects of M64 is its counter-rotating inner and outer gas regions. These regions of increased star formation are created when the two gas "currents" meet and compress. This unique motion and structure of M64's gas were likely shaped by a merger with a smaller galaxy, an event that had previously been thought to be rare for spiral galaxies like our own Milky Way.
The APOD's inclusion of M64's Webb view serves a valuable purpose for astronomers. By analyzing the structure, motion, and composition of the galaxy's dust, Webb's observations add important context to the galaxy's overall history, revealing that spiral galaxies, including our own, are not always as peaceful as once believed.
Written by urgent.news from NASA's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- APOD: 2026 September 16 – Webb’s View of M64 science.nasa.gov
