Spiral Galaxy M83 (MIRI image)

Using its Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), the Webb Telescope captured this detailed view of the barred spiral galaxy M83, also known as NGC 5236, bringing its intricate gas, dust, and stars to life. By combining data collected through two of MIRI’s ten filters, both near the short end of the instrument’s wavelength range, galaxy M83 was revealed in new ways. The bright blue highlights the distribution of stars across the central part of the galaxy. Meanwhile, the bright yellow regions that weave through the spiral arms mark concentrations of active stellar nurseries, where new stars are forming. The orange-red areas swirling through M83’s arms indicate the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon-based compounds that are crucial for studying cosmic environments. Release Date: October 31, 2023   An alternative version of this image, that more fully fills the sheet, is also available.