The Wonders of Galaxy NGC 6822

The Wonders of Galaxy NGC 6822

In the cosmic neighbourhood lies NGC 6822, a unique galaxy with a secret - it's unusually low in "metallicity," meaning it's mostly made of basic elements like hydrogen and helium, lacking heavier ones. This galaxy is like a window back in time, to the universe's infancy when the first stars were just being born, and heavier elements were still a future creation. The James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) has cast its gaze upon NGC 6822, blending near and mid-infrared light to reveal a galaxy unlike any other. Its Near-Infrared Camera cuts through the cosmic fog, highlighting a multitude of stars. Meanwhile, the Mid-Infrared Instrument delves into the mysteries of galactic dust. Together, they offer a rare glimpse into the early universe, helping us understand the origins of stars and the dust that swirled around them.
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