Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Unusual Spiral Galaxy M66 from Webb

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for August 29, 2023 is “Unusual Spiral Galaxy M66 from Webb,” an image. It is credited to Image Credit: NASA , ESA , CSA , JWST ; Processing: Brian Tomlinson. The original explanation runs about 133 words.

Spiral galaxy M66 is shown in infrared light as seen by the orbiting James Webb Space Telescope. A reddish-brown center is seen in the galaxy with a blue-colored spiral arms surrounding it. A close inspection will reveal that these spiral a
Credit: Image Credit: NASA , ESA , CSA , JWST ; Processing: Brian Tomlinson Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the 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 .”

— APOD editors, August 29, 2023

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
August 29, 2023
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit: NASA , ESA , CSA , JWST ; Processing: Brian Tomlinson
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 133 words

All of August 2023 → · 2023 by month → · Full archive since 1995 →

Topics in this entry

GalaxiesJames Webb Space Telescope

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: August 29 in other years

On Amazon

Popular picks for space fans

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Electronics Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB Read astronomy and space-history books anywhere. View on Amazon → Electronics Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones Noise-cancelling headphones for documentaries and launch livestreams. View on Amazon →

Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.