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JWST has captured a sparkling galaxy full of intense star formation

The Great Barred Spiral Galaxy has some of the most extraordinary regions of star formation of any galaxy we have found, and the James Webb Space Telescope has snapped its picture

By Leah Crane

16 August 2022

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Star formation in this galaxy, NGC 1365, is driven by gas streaming to its centre

NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI. / R. Colombari

Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have taken an extraordinary picture of a strange galaxy. This galaxy, called NGC 1365 or the Great Barred Spiral Galaxy, has one of the highest star formation rates of any galaxy we have ever seen, and JWST has revealed it in more detail than ever before.

The star formation in NGC 1365 is driven by the bar of stars at its centre, connecting its two spiral arms…

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