APOD: 2023 August 29 Б Unusual Spiral Galaxy M66 from Webb
Explanation:
Why isn't spiral galaxy
M66 symmetric?
Usually,
density waves
of gas, dust, and newly formed stars circle a
spiral galaxy's
center and create a
nearly symmetric galaxy.
The differences between M66's
spiral arms and the apparent displacement of its
nucleus are all likely caused by previous close interactions and the
tidal gravitational pulls
of nearby galaxy neighbors
M65 and NGC 3628.
The galaxy,
featured here in
infrared light taken by the
James Webb Space Telescope, spans about 100,000
light years, lies about 35 million light years distant, and is the largest galaxy in a
group known as the
Leo Triplet.
Like many spiral galaxies, the long and intricate
dust lanes of
M66
are seen intertwined with the
bright stars and
intergalactic dust that follow the spiral arms.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
