Messier 81 (M81) is a classic example of a spiral galaxy. Star-forming regions in this galaxy become evident in the infrared view. In the infrared, the spiral arm structure becomes much more powerful relative to the visibly bright galactic center, revealing denser concentrations of cold dust and gas ready to be transformed into new stars.
Optical: Stars are partly obscured by dust. Near-Infrared: Longer infrared wavelengths now show star-forming areas in red. Far-Infrared: Shifting to infrared light reveals the dust lanes in red.
Greg Bacon (STScI): Visualizer Nigel A. Sharp (NSF): Image Processing Steven Willner (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics): Image Processing Karl Gordon (The University of Arizona): Image Processing Leann Johnson (Global Science and Technology, Inc.): Technical Support
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Video: NASA, ESA, and G. Bacon (STScI)
Image Credits:
Optical: N.A. Sharp (NOAO, AURA, NSF)
Near-infrared: NASA, JPL-Caltech, S. Willner (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)
Far-infrared: NASA, JPL-Caltech, K. Gordon (University of Arizona) and S. Willner (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)
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