James Webb reveals new secrets of the enigmatic Sombrero Galaxy with its latest image
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Hats Off to NASA’s Webb: Sombrero Galaxy Dazzles in New Image
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope recently imaged the Sombrero galaxy with its MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) The clumpy nature of the dust can indicate the presence of young star-forming regions in the galaxy. The rings of the Sombsrero galaxy produce less than one solar mass of stars per year, in comparison to the Milky Way’s roughly two solar masses a year. Also within the Somsrero galaxy dwell some 2,000 globular clusters, collections of hundreds of thousands of old stars held together by gravity. This type of system serves as a pseudo laboratory for astronomers to study stars — thousands of stars within one system with the same age, but varying masses and other properties is an intriguing opportunity for comparison studies. Scientists from all over the world applied for observation time with Webb during its fourth year in July 2025, which begins in November 2024. A record-breaking 2,377 proposals were submitted by the Oct. 15, 2024 deadline, requesting about 78,000 hours of observation time.
Hubble (Visible) Webb (MIRI) A view of the famous Sombrero Galaxy in visible light from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) A view of the famous Sombrero Galaxy in mid-infrared light from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) that reveals the smooth inner disk of the galaxy. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) Hubble (Visible) Webb (MIRI) A view of the famous Sombrero Galaxy in visible light from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) A view of the famous Sombrero Galaxy in mid-infrared light from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) that reveals the smooth inner disk of the galaxy. NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA) Hubble (Visible) Webb (MIRI) Before and After Sombrero Galaxy (Hubble and Webb Image) Nov 25, 2024 Curtain Toggle 2-Up Image Details This image compares the view of the famous Sombrero Galaxy in mid-infrared light (right) and visible light (left). NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) reveals the smooth inner disk of the galaxy. Downloads Hubble (Visible) PNG (4 MB) Webb (MIRI) PNG (3 MB) Both Images (stacked view) PNG (6 MB)
Researchers say the clumpy nature of the dust, where MIRI detects carbon-containing molecules called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, can indicate the presence of young star-forming regions. However, unlike some galaxies studied with Webb, including Messier 82, where 10 times as many stars are born than the Milky Way galaxy, the Sombrero galaxy is not a particular hotbed of star formation. The rings of the Sombrero galaxy produce less than one solar mass of stars per year, in comparison to the Milky Way’s roughly two solar masses a year.
Even the supermassive black hole, also known as an active galactic nucleus, at the center of the Sombrero galaxy is rather docile, even at a hefty 9-billion-solar masses. It’s classified as a low luminosity active galactic nucleus, slowly snacking on infalling material from the galaxy, while sending off a bright, relatively small, jet.
Also within the Sombrero galaxy dwell some 2,000 globular clusters, collections of hundreds of thousands of old stars held together by gravity. This type of system serves as a pseudo laboratory for astronomers to study stars — thousands of stars within one system with the same age, but varying masses and other properties is an intriguing opportunity for comparison studies.
In the MIRI image, galaxies of varying shapes and colors litter the background of space. The different colors of these background galaxies can tell astronomers about their properties, including how far away they are.
The Sombrero galaxy is around 30 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Virgo.
Video: Sombrero Galaxy Fade (Spitzer, Webb, Hubble)
A Bright Future Ahead
Stunning images like this, and an array of discoveries in the study of exoplanets, galaxies through time, star formation, and our own solar system, are still just the beginning. Recently, scientists from all over the world applied for observation time with Webb during its fourth year of science operations, which begins in July 2025.
General Observer time with Webb is more competitive than ever. A record-breaking 2,377 proposals were submitted by the Oct. 15, 2024, deadline, requesting about 78,000 hours of observation time. This is an oversubscription rate, the ratio defining the observation hours requested versus the actual time available in one year of Webb’s operations, of around 9 to 1.
The proposals cover a wide array of science topics, with distant galaxies being among the most requested observation time, followed by exoplanet atmospheres, stars and stellar populations, then exoplanet systems.
The Space Telescope Science Institute manages the proposal and program selection process for NASA. The submissions will now be evaluated by a Telescope Allocation Committee, a group of hundreds of members of the worldwide astronomical community, on a dual-anonymous basis, with selections announced in March 2025.
While time on Webb is limited, data from all of Webb’s programs is publicly archived, immediately after it’s taken, or after a time of exclusive access, in the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) so it can be used by anyone in the world.
The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
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Laura Betz – laura.e.betz@nasa.gov
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
Hannah Braun – hbraun@stsci.edu, Christine Pulliam – cpulliam@stsci.edu
Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Md.
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James Webb Telescope image exposes secrets of the Sombrero Galaxy’s hidden dust rings
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured a stunning new infrared image of the Sombrero Galaxy. The image provides fresh insights into the galaxy’s structure, dust distribution, and the calm behavior of its supermassive black hole. The galaxy, which was named due to its similarity to a wide-brimmed Mexican sombrero hat, looks different in the JWST mid-infrared image. Unlike the centrally bright nucleus in visible light images, we see a featureless nucleus, but the morphology of the dust and the feeble light from distant stellar sources. Although the galaxy is not forming stars as other galaxies that Webb has captured, such as Messier 82, they are useful in giving insights on the factors that regulate star formation in this part of the universe. This year, researchers from across the globe proposed a record number of observations for Webb’s fourth year of science operations starting in July 2023. The proposals received came to more than 2,300, and for observation time requested, the number was about 78,000 hours.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured a stunning new infrared image of the Sombrero Galaxy, revealing intricate details of its dusty outer rings and smooth inner disk. The image provides fresh insights into the galaxy’s structure, dust distribution, and the calm behavior of its supermassive black hole. Read More
James Webb Telescope Reveals ‘Archery Target’ Galaxy and Its Mysterious Supermassive Black Hole.(Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI)
New Delhi: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has released a stunning new view of the Sombrero Galaxy, or Messier 104, providing new details about this galaxy. The galaxy, which was named due to its similarity to a wide-brimmed Mexican sombrero hat, looks different in the JWST mid-infrared image. Unlike the centrally bright nucleus in visible light images, with Webb’s more advanced instruments, we see a featureless nucleus, but the morphology of the dust and the feeble light from distant stellar sources. The high resolution of the telescope instrument called the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) shows details of the outer ring of the galaxy that have not been seen before and gives a better picture of what the galaxy is made of and how it is being formed.
The Sombrero Galaxy is relatively quiescent and is situated about 30 million light-years from the Earth and in the Virgo constellation. Although it is a host to a quasar—a supermassive black hole—it is not highly active in terms of star formation. From Webb’s latest observations, it is evident that dusty areas near the galaxy have clusters of carbonaceous molecules, which is a sign of young stellar birthplaces. Still, these indicators make the galaxy’s star formation rate low compared to other galaxies, with only a few stars per year compared to the Milky Way. These new data from Webb provide a better appreciation of the Sombrero Galaxy’s structure and its relatively tranquil rate of evolution in the cosmos.
Mid-Infrared View of the Galaxy’s Dusty Circles
The outer ring in Webb’s mid-infrared view is sharper than the Sombrero Galaxy images taken by the retired Spitzer Space Telescope. The earlier observations, which indicated a smooth blanket-like structure, now show that it consists of discrete masses of dust. These dust particles, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are essential in the construction of stars and planets, and their clumpy distribution may suggest regions of slow star formation. Although the galaxy is not forming stars as other galaxies that Webb has captured, such as Messier 82, they are useful in giving insights on the factors that regulate star formation in this part of the universe.
The Peaceful Monster at the Centre of the Galaxy
The Sombrero Galaxy is roughly similar to our Milky Way, and spinning at the heart of this giant is a supermassive black hole that is almost nine billion times the mass of the Sun. This black hole is almost as big as those in other galaxies, but it is not as aggressive as other active galaxies. They have classified it as a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus, a cosmic system that slowly feeds on the matter around it and emits a weak jet. This behaviour also goes on to further demonstrate that the Sombrero Galaxy is not as active as other galaxies. In the galaxy, other celestial bodies include approximately 2,000 globular clusters, which are compact and mostly older stars and hence make it easier to study stellar evolution under controlled conditions.
James Webb Space Telescope remains to be the driving force behind the determination of space exploration. This year, researchers from across the globe proposed a record number of observations for Webb’s fourth year of science operations starting in July 2023. The proposals received came to more than 2,300, and for observation time requested, the number was about 78,000 hours, an oversubscription ratio of 9:1. These proposals address a broad spectrum of subjects, from far-off galaxies to exoplanets and stellar systems, and Webb’s high-resolution technology provides a deeper look into the cosmos’s remoteness. When the telescope is operational, the data it will gather will be shared with the public through the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes, enhancing research across the globe.
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5 space discoveries that scientists are struggling to explain
Mysterious objects have led scientists to grapple with ever-stranger questions about the nature of our universe. From our own cosmic backyard to the distant depths of the early universe, here are five of the most mysterious objects that scientists have discovered in space. The “runaway black hole” is estimated to be 20 million times the mass of Earth’s sun, while its bright tail could measure more than 200,000 light-years long. In 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected more than 80 free-floating planets careening through the Orion Nebula. Because these rogue worlds are roughly as large as Jupiter, scientists named them Jupiter-mass binary objects (JUMBOs) One theory suggests these bizarre objects formed directly from collapsing clouds of gas and dust in space, in a scaled-down version of how stars form. Another theory says a passing star could have pushed the objects out of orbit, but models have shown that this is unlikely to be the case. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory should be able to spot more evidence of the elusive world — potentially confirming or denying its existence once and for all.
Could an invisible planet lurk at the edge of our solar system ? Can black holes ricochet through space like intergalactic billiard balls? Did our own galaxy’s black hole “wake up” with a bang millions of years ago — and could it do so again?
These may not be the questions that first drove humans to study the stars thousands of years ago. But, as astronomers look ever deeper into the dusty corners of the cosmos, peculiar discoveries have forced them to grapple with ever-stranger questions about the nature of our universe and the limits of what could be lurking out there.
From our own cosmic backyard to the distant depths of the early universe, here are five of the most mysterious objects that scientists have discovered in space — and the best explanations for what they are.
Planet Nine
An artist’s rendering of a faraway planet in our solar system (Image credit: Xuanyu Han via Getty Images)
Far beyond the orbit of Neptune, a mysterious, massive entity may be moving through the ring of icy objects that surrounds our solar system. Scientists studying this region have found that the orbits of more than a dozen rocky objects are being subtly altered, as if being tugged on by the gravity of an enormous, unseen planet — a theoretical object known as Planet Nine.
This hidden world is estimated to be anywhere from five to 10 times as massive as Earth and to take up to 10,000 years to complete a single orbit of the sun. But besides the strange “kinks” in the orbits of nearby objects, there is still no concrete evidence of Planet Nine’s existence. If it’s out there, slowly orbiting more than 500 times farther from the sun than Earth does, the mysterious world is far too dim to detect with current telescopes.
However, the forthcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory , which is currently under construction in Chile and will eventually record a 10-year time-lapse video of the night sky, should be able to spot more evidence of the elusive world — potentially confirming or denying its existence once and for all.
The “runaway black hole”
An illustration of a black hole zooming away from its galaxy, with a trail of stars following behind it. (Image credit: NASA, ESA, Leah Hustak (STScI))
In April 2023, astronomers reported the detection of something never seen before: a “runaway” black hole , untethered from any galaxy and blazing through space at 4,500 times the speed of sound with an enormous trail of stars streaking behind it.
The black hole is estimated to be 20 million times the mass of Earth’s sun, while its bright tail could measure more than 200,000 light-years long (about twice the diameter of the Milky Way ). Observations from the Keck telescope in Hawaii found that one end of this stellar trail appears to be linked to a distant dwarf galaxy, from which the freewheeling black hole may have been astronomically yeeted.
Black holes form the hearts of large galaxies like our Milky Way, anchoring the surrounding gas, dust and star systems in place. So how can one of these cosmic behemoths simply vamoose? According to the study authors, it’s possible that the black hole once orbited a second black hole in a rare binary arrangement — then, when a third black hole was introduced to the system during a galaxy merger, the chaotic gravitational interactions sent one black hole flying into the wild black yonder. If confirmed by follow-up studies , this will be the first evidence that black holes can escape their galaxies.
James Webb telescope’s JUMBOs
An image of the Orion Nebula captured by the Hubble and Spitzer space telescopes. (Image credit: NASA / Hubble Space Telescope)
Black holes are not the only cosmic runaways; planets have also been spotted on the lam, and in far greater numbers. In 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected more than 500 free-floating “rogue” planets careening through the Orion Nebula. Roughly 80 of these were spotted orbiting each other in binary pairs — a phenomenon with no clear explanation. Because these rogue worlds are roughly as large as Jupiter, scientists named them Jupiter-mass binary objects — or JUMBOs.
NASA estimates that there may be trillions of rogue planets wandering our galaxy, many of which were shunted out of orbit during the chaotic early days of star system formation. However, current models fail to explain the existence of JUMBOs. One theory suggests that these bizarre objects formed directly from collapsing clouds of gas and dust in interstellar space, in a scaled-down version of how stars form. Another theory says a passing star could have pushed the objects out of orbit, but models have shown that this explanation is highly unlikely . For now, JUMBOs pose a jumbo-size puzzle for astronomers.
The Fermi bubbles
The gargantuan Fermi Bubbles are only visible in gamma-ray light. (Image credit: NASA Goddard)
The black hole at the center of our galaxy is (hopefully) not going anywhere anytime soon, but it has acted up in unexpected ways in the not-too-distant past. Astronomers can see the evidence of massive, energetic eruptions from our black hole in the form of two sets of gargantuan bubbles — known as the Fermi bubbles and eROSITA bubbles — that tower over our galaxy. These overlapping lobes of energy straddle the center of the Milky Way like an enormous hourglass, stretching roughly 25,000 light-years above and below our central black hole. Measured together, the bubbles span about half the width of the galaxy itself.
Despite their extraordinary size, you can’t see them in the sky; the Fermi bubbles, filled with fast-moving particles called cosmic rays, can be spotted only by telescopes that detect gamma-rays, while the eROSITA bubbles — filled with extremely hot gas — are visible only as X-rays.
Astronomers don’t know exactly how the bubbles formed, but a 2022 study suggested that they are the result of a gargantuan black hole explosion that lasted more than 100,000 years , beginning roughly 2.6 million years ago, when vast quantities of matter poured into our black hole’s maw. If confirmed, this hypothesis would suggest that our black hole was active much more recently than once thought.
The big question
(Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA. Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI)/post-processing inset image Daisy Dobrijevic)
While studying a peculiar smear of starlight known as Herbig-Haro 46/47, JWST spotted something even more mysterious in the distant background of its image — a deep-space swoop of hot gas shaped perfectly like a question mark .
It’s unclear exactly what the object is or how far away it is, but its reddish color in JWST images suggests that the object is exceptionally ancient, with its light stretching into ever-redder wavelengths as it crosses vast cosmic distances to reach us. It may be a galaxy, or perhaps several galaxies in the midst of ripping each other apart during a chaotic merger, researchers told Live Science’s sister site Space.com in 2023.
Hubble offers a new view of Sombrero galaxy
ESA/Hubble is revisiting a fan-favourite galaxy with new image processing techniques. The new image reveals finer detail in the galaxy’s disc, as well as more background stars and galaxies. The Sombrero Galaxy is around 30 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. The galaxy is too faint to be spotted with unaided vision, but it is readily viewable with a modest amateur telescope. Seen from Earth, the galaxy spans a distance equivalent to roughly one third of the diameter of the full Moon. In November 2024, the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope also gave an entirely new perspective on this striking galaxy.
As part of ESA/Hubble’s 35th anniversary celebrations, a new image series is being shared to revisit stunning Hubble targets that were previously released. First, a new image of NGC 346 was published. Now, ESA/Hubble is revisiting a fan-favourite galaxy with new image processing techniques. The new image reveals finer detail in the galaxy’s disc, as well as more background stars and galaxies.
Several Hubble images of the Sombrero Galaxy have been released over the past two decades, including this well-known Hubble image from October 2003. In November 2024, the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope also gave an entirely new perspective on this striking galaxy.
Located around 30 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo, the Sombrero Galaxy is instantly recognisable. Viewed nearly edge on, the galaxy’s softly luminous bulge and sharply outlined disc resemble the rounded crown and broad brim of the Mexican hat from which the galaxy gets its name.
Though the Sombrero Galaxy is packed with stars, it’s surprisingly not a hotbed of star formation. Less than one solar mass of gas is converted into stars within the knotted, dusty disc of the galaxy each year. Even the galaxy’s central supermassive black hole, which at 9 billion solar masses is more than 2000 times more massive than the Milky Way’s central black hole, is fairly calm.
The galaxy is too faint to be spotted with unaided vision, but it is readily viewable with a modest amateur telescope. Seen from Earth, the galaxy spans a distance equivalent to roughly one third of the diameter of the full Moon. The galaxy’s size on the sky is too large to fit within Hubble’s narrow field of view, so this image is actually a mosaic of several images stitched together.
One of the things that makes this galaxy especially notable is its viewing angle, which is inclined just six degrees off of the galaxy’s equator. From this vantage point, intricate clumps and strands of dust stand out against the brilliant white galactic nucleus and bulge, creating an effect not unlike Saturn and its rings – but on an epic galactic scale.
[Image description: The Sombrero Galaxy is an oblong, pale white disc with a glowing core. It appears nearly edge-on but is slanted slightly in the front, presenting a slightly top-down view of the inner region of the galaxy and its bright core. The outer disc is darker with shades of brown and black. Different coloured distant galaxies and various stars are speckled among the black background of space surrounding the galaxy.]
A Thrilling Mystery Awaits You! What Secrets Does ‘Missing You’ Hold?
“Missing You’ is now streaming on Netflix, offering a thrilling mix of mystery, emotional depth, and surprising twists. The series centers on Detective Kat Donovan, played by the talented Rosalind Eleazar, who stumbles upon her long-lost ex-fiancé, Josh, on a dating app. His sudden reappearance not only forces her to confront the pain of his disappearance a decade earlier but also leads her into a labyrinth of two other missing persons cases. The show’s narrative cleverly intertwines personal loss with professional duty, exploring themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human relationships. As a member of the British band Busted, Matt Willis’S involvement brings a unique flair to the series, making it a treat for both music and TV fans. The Vatican Swindle: A Classic Mystery of Deception and Crime is available to stream now on Netflix for $3.99 per episode. For more details on the host of other titles, visit Netflix.com.
Feeling adventurous? Dive into the captivating mystery series, “Missing You,” now available on Netflix. Released on January 1st, this five-part thriller, based on a story by Harlan Coben, promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with its intricate plot twists and unexpected revelations.
The Vatican Swindle 🕵️♂️💰: A Classic Mystery of Deception and Crime
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The narrative follows detective Kat Donovan, portrayed by Rosalind Eleazar, who stumbles upon her long-lost ex-fiancé, Josh, on a dating app. This shocking encounter occurs 11 years after his enigmatic disappearance, leading Kat on a quest for answers. At the same time, she delves into two additional missing persons cases while grappling with the unresolved grief of her father’s death.
Interestingly, the series features a surprising cameo by Matt Willis, known for his role in the famous band Busted. When Kat first appears onscreen, she is seen on a date with Willis’s character, catching viewers off guard. Eleazar reminisced about filming that scene, noting the excitement among the crew upon working with the well-known musician. She described him as delightful and humorous, adding a special touch to the production.
With so many layers to unravel, “Missing You” is the perfect choice for mystery lovers seeking a gripping story. Stream it now on Netflix and prepare for an exhilarating ride!
Unravel the Secrets of ‘Missing You’: A Thrilling Must-Watch on Netflix
Looking for your next binge-worthy series? “Missing You” is now streaming on Netflix, offering a thrilling mix of mystery, emotional depth, and surprising twists. This five-part series, based on the atmospheric storytelling of Harlan Coben, challenges viewers to piece together a story rife with unanswered questions and complex characters.
Plot Overview
The series centers on Detective Kat Donovan, played by the talented Rosalind Eleazar. After an unexpected encounter with her long-missing ex-fiancé Josh on a dating app, Kat is pulled back into a whirlwind of emotions and investigation. His sudden reappearance not only forces her to confront the pain of his disappearance a decade earlier but also leads her into a labyrinth of two other missing persons cases, all while she grapples with the lingering grief over her father’s death.
Key Features and Innovations
– Engaging Storyline: The show’s narrative cleverly intertwines personal loss with professional duty, exploring themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human relationships.
– Star Power: The series features a cameo by Matt Willis, further enhancing its appeal. As a member of the British band Busted, Willis’s involvement brings a unique flair to the series, making it a treat for both music and TV fans.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Gripping plot with unexpected twists.
– Strong character development, particularly for Kat Donovan.
– High production value and engaging cinematography.
Cons:
– Some viewers may find the multiple storylines a bit overwhelming.
– The pacing may seem slow to those unfamiliar with typical mystery genres.
Use Cases
“Missing You” is perfect for:
– Fans of mystery dramas looking for a new series.
– Viewers who enjoy character-driven narratives.
– Anyone interested in exploring the emotional weight of unresolved relationships.
Security and Sustainability in Production
In today’s entertainment landscape, the production of “Missing You” also reflects a growing trend towards sustainable practices. Production teams increasingly prioritize environmentally-friendly methods, helping reduce the carbon footprint associated with filming.
Viewing Insights and Predictions
As audiences continue to crave compelling storytelling, “Missing You” is poised to attract both locals and international viewers alike. Given Harlan Coben’s previous successes in television adaptations, we can expect increased interest and potential follow-up projects in this genre.
Conclusion
Now streaming on Netflix, “Missing You” offers an entrancing escape into a world of mystery and emotional depth. Whether you’re a fan of Harlan Coben or simply in search of your next great watch, this series is sure to deliver thrills until the very last episode. Start your adventure today by diving into “Missing You” — you won’t regret it!
For more details on the streaming service and a host of other engaging titles, visit Netflix.