James Webb Telescope Captures Infrared Image of Spiral Galaxy Messier 77 with Bright Core

• May 9, 2026

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has delivered a highly detailed infrared image of the spiral galaxy Messier 77, also known as the “Squid Galaxy,” located roughly 45 million light-years from Earth. Captured using JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), this new observation showcases intricate features of the galaxy’s structure including its winding spiral arms, dust disk, and an exceptionally bright active nucleus.

Infrared Insights into Messier 77

Messier 77 resides in the constellation Cetus and has long been an object of study due to its complex morphology and energetic central region. The latest image from JWST reveals these characteristics with unprecedented clarity in the mid-infrared spectrum. The mid-infrared wavelengths allow astronomers to peer through cosmic dust that typically obscures many galactic components visible in other ranges. This capability provides new perspectives on the processes shaping this galaxy.

The spiral arms of Messier 77 are distinctly defined in the image, illustrating the distribution of stars and interstellar material. Surrounding the galactic core is a prominent dust disk apparent in the mid-infrared data, highlighting regions of active star formation concealed by dust in optical wavelengths. The galaxy’s nucleus itself shines with remarkable brightness, underscoring its classification as an active galactic nucleus (AGN), where supermassive black hole activity influences surrounding matter.

JWST’s image of Messier 77 has been selected as the “image of the month,” emphasizing its significance and the level of detail achieved. The observations contribute valuable data toward understanding galaxy evolution, particularly focusing on the interplay between star formation, dust, and the energetic phenomena in cores of spiral galaxies.

This accomplishment demonstrates the advanced capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope’s instruments, particularly MIRI, in expanding our knowledge of galactic structures beyond the reach of previous telescopes. Continuing observations like this one will help deepen insights into the life cycle of galaxies and the dynamics of their central engines.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope reveals detailed infrared view of Messier 77 spiral galaxy with a luminous core in the constellation Cetus.