The James Webb Space Telescope has captured the public’s attention over the past few years, but we must not overlook the venerable Hubble Space Telescope. While Webb boasts advanced technology and enhances our view of the cosmos, it is by no means a substitute for Hubble. New comparisons of images from both observatories highlight their unique strengths, showcasing the benefits of having both instruments working together for scientific exploration.
The spiral galaxy NGC 2090, featured in Webb’s image above, was captured using the MIRI and NIRCam instruments. These tools operate within the mid-infrared and near-infrared sections of the electromagnetic spectrum, resulting in the galaxy’s arms appearing bright red. This impressive display originates from swirling gas and dust, containing compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that emit an infrared glow. Meanwhile, the blue center indicates a region filled with young, hot stars.
ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Thilker
In contrast, Hubble’s view of the same galaxy, captured in visible light, reveals a different perspective. Here, the spiral arms are less prominent, but patchy areas of dust forming the galaxy’s disc become more evident.
NGC 2090 is a dynamic galaxy characterized by ongoing star formation across various stages of star development. The diverse ages of stars present offer valuable insights for researchers studying stellar evolution, allowing them to observe the life cycles of stars in differing stages. This galaxy was chosen for Webb’s observation as part of a broader project focused on understanding stellar evolution in nearby galaxies that are still in the process of star formation.
Hubble’s observations of NGC 2090 also contribute to research on star formation and were utilized in an initiative called the Extragalactic Distance Scale Key Project. This project centers around a specific type of star, known as Cepheid variable stars, which play a crucial role in determining the universe’s expansion rate.
