JWST is our latest eye on the cosmos and we ca n’t get enough of theincredible observationsit is delivering . From Jupiter to the very boundary of the known macrocosm , astronomers are keeping JWST busy . Among the latest reflection , the telescope studied galaxy IC 1623 ( also known as VV 114 and Arp 236 ) and the sue range is just too beautiful .
Not just a pretty face , though , the galaxy becharm – situate 300 million short - eld from Earth – is a merger . It was once two completely separate objects but destiny brought them together in a helter-skelter mode , sparking new-sprung stars .
In the Hubble image below , which focused mostly on visible spark , the two object are scarcely distinguishable . The merge is in its later level . Some of the original feature stay , such as portions of the coiling arms , but the gravitative forces between the two objects will disappear those vestiges away , make a new galaxy with a unexampled shape .
Hubble view of IC 1623. Image Credit: NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration and A. Evans (University of Virginia, Charlottesville/NRAO/Stony Brook University)
But the new JWST observation , process by citizen scientist Kevin Gill , distinctly show that the story , while ending , is far from over .
Not only are the key regions of each beetleweed , with their supermassive black holes , still clearly visible but the effect of the merger is suddenly plain to see . The gravitational pull between the two galaxies is create new stars . These pocket of mavin formation shine brightly in infrared light detected by JWST . In infrared light , it shines with the Inner Light of over 1 trillion Suns .
Mergers can also increase the activity of supermassive sinister golf hole as fresh gas reaches them in mussy collision . This doesn’tseem to be the casefor either of the two supermassive black hole potential to domiciliate in IC1623 . It could still be too former in the merger for any major activeness to start around the smuggled holes or the objects are severely obscured and we ca n’t see them .
JWST Image of IC 1623. Image Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / Dr. Lee Armus (PI) / Kevin M. Gill
