IC 5332 is 29 million light-years from Earth and spans about 66,000 light-years, about one-third the size of the Milky Way. Under Webb’s observations, IC 5332’s normally dust-obscured galaxy “skeleton” was unobstructed.
IC 5332 is “famous for being almost exactly facing Earth, which allows one to appreciate the symmetrical spiral arms of the galaxy”.
To capture this image, Webb used the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), one of Webb’s four tools for observing the universe.
The mid-infrared instrument is the only instrument onboard the Webb telescope that is sensitive to light at mid-infrared wavelengths, which can only be observed by space telescopes.
Previously, the Hubble Space Telescope used the Wide Field Camera 3 to observe the galaxy IC 5332 in ultraviolet and visible light.
NASA said, “The Hubble image shows dark areas that appear to separate the arms, while the Webb image highlights more continuous tangles that echo the structure of the arms.” Because of the wavelengths detected by the different space telescopes Different, the stars shown in the images are different.
This difference is mainly caused by the dusty regions of the galaxy. Interstellar dust scatters ultraviolet and visible light, so in Hubble’s field of view, dusty regions appear darker.
By contrast, Webb’s ability to detect infrared light can penetrate interstellar dust. Powered by the Webb Telescope, images of IC 5332 have revealed to scientists more about the galaxy’s composition and structure.
All the instruments onboard the Webb telescope must operate properly in extremely cold environments, because slightly warmer objects emit infrared light that interferes with image quality. The temperature of the mid-infrared instrument remains at minus 266 degrees Celsius, just 7 degrees Celsius above absolute zero.
Recently, the Webb team was evaluating a problem with the mid-infrared instrument switching observation modes.
On August 24, the staff found that one of the Moderate Resolution Spectroscopy (MRS) modes had increased friction during setup. According to NASA, “The Moderate Resolution Spectroscopic Observation Mode uses a grating wheel that allows scientists to switch between short, medium and long wavelengths when conducting scientific observations in this mode.”
Webb’s team paused using this mode of observation as they worked out how to solve the problem. Other than that, the instrument on the Webb telescope and the other three observation modes of the mid-infrared instrument were fine.
Webb is operated by NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. The $10 billion space telescope was launched in December with enough fuel to run the telescope for 20 years.
Compared with other telescopes, the Webb telescope can observe distant galaxies emitting faint light through a huge mirror, deepening scientists’ understanding of the origin of the universe.
The Webb telescope released its first images in July, capturing new images of the universe, such as dust-shrouded supernovae. In addition, the Webb telescope captured detailed images of Mars, Jupiter and Neptune.
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