In Messier 64, darkness is not an absence of structure. It is a veil of dust—one that the James Webb Space Telescope can trace in infrared light.
The September 16, 2026 Astronomy Picture of the Day presents composite images of M64, a nearby spiral galaxy known by several names. Its most familiar nickname, the “Black Eye Galaxy,” comes from a dark dust band that partly obscures the galaxy’s bright central region.
Infrared light exposes the dust
Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) detects the dust as it absorbs and re-emits light from surrounding newborn stars. In the composite image, that dust is shown in red. The Hubble-only image reveals young stars within pink regions where stars are forming.
Together, the observations show material associated with both dust and active star formation. The source says Webb’s view will help astronomers examine the structure, motion, and composition of M64’s dust.
Two gas regions move in opposite directions
M64’s inner and outer gas regions counter-rotate. Where these opposing gas “currents” meet, they compress one another and create areas of increased star formation.
The opposing motion of the outer gas was likely caused by a merger with a smaller galaxy. The source does not provide a date for that event or describe the smaller galaxy in further detail.
A record of galactic evolution
Spiral galaxies were once considered to have peaceful histories. M64 became important evidence that spiral galaxies—including the Milky Way—can experience mergers.
Webb’s observations add another view of that history by examining the galaxy’s dust alongside the structures already revealed through Hubble imaging. The data are intended to provide context for M64’s merger history and evolution; the source does not report specific new measurements or conclusions beyond that stated purpose.
The image was released on September 16, 2026, with contributions credited to NASA, CSA, ESA, F. Belfiore, J. Lee, A. Leroy, and D. Thilker. Image processing was carried out by G. Kober.
Original source: science.nasa.gov
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