The Spiderweb Galaxy Protocluster in Hydra | James Webb Space Telescope

The Spiderweb Galaxy Protocluster in Hydra | James Webb Space Telescope

This image shows the Spiderweb protocluster as seen by Webb’s Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam).

This annotated image shows the galaxy distribution in the Spiderweb protocluster as seen by Webb’s Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam). The galaxies are annotated by white circles, and the collection of gravitationally-bound galaxies is identified in the centre of the image. A selection of these galaxies are featured as individual close-ups at the bottom of the image.

This annotated image shows the galaxy distribution in the Spiderweb protocluster as seen by Webb’s NIRCam (Near-InfraRed Camera). The galaxies are annotated by white circles, and the collection of gravitationally-bound galaxies is identified in the centre of the image.

Using the NASA/European Space Agency/Canadian Space Agency James Webb Space Telescope, an international team of astronomers have found new galaxies in the Spiderweb protocluster. Their characteristics shed light on the growth of galaxies in these large cosmic 'cities' with the finding that gravitational interactions in these dense regions are not as important as previously thought.

With the use of Webb’s capabilities, astronomers have now sought to better understand this protocluster and to reveal new galaxies within it. Infrared radiation passes more freely through cosmic dust than visible light, which is scattered by the dust. Because Webb can see infrared light very well, scientists used it to observe regions of the Spiderweb that were previously hidden to us by cosmic dust, and to find out to what degree this dust obscures them.

This image shows the Spiderweb protocluster as seen by Webb’s NIRCam (Near-InfraRed Camera).

Image Description: Hundreds of galaxies appear in this view. It is set against the black background of space. There are many overlapping objects at various distances. They include large, blue foreground stars, a number with eight diffraction spikes, plus white and pink spiral and elliptical galaxies are visible. Numerous tiny orange dots appear throughout the scene.

Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, H. Dannerbauer
Release Date: Dec. 4, 2024

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