Spectacular spiral galaxy revealed by James Webb Space Telescope photo of the day for March 4, 2026

an impressive red spiral structure with a bright point of light at the very center. — Spiral galaxy NGC 5134 captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. (Image credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, A. Leroy)

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a truly spectacular view of the spiral galaxy NGC 5134, revealing glowing dust clouds, newborn stars and the ongoing cycle of stellar life and death.

What is it?

NGC 5134 is a spiral galaxy, a type of galaxy characterized by a bright central core surrounded by sweeping arms filled with stars, gas and dust. These arms act as cosmic nurseries where new stars are constantly forming.

This dramatic image combines observations from two of the JWST's powerful instruments: the mid-infrared instrument (MIRI) and the near-infrared instrument (NIRCam). MIRI detects mid-infrared light emitted by warm dust, revealing strands and clumps of gas scattered throughout the galaxy. NIRCam captures shorter-wavelength infrared light that highlights the stars and star clusters embedded deep within the spiral arms.

Why is it amazing?

The glowing dust clouds visible throughout the galaxy are the raw material for new stars. As gravity pulls this gas together, new stars ignite — gradually using up all the galaxy's star-forming fuel. When stars die, they return some of that material back into space. Massive stars explode into supernovas, scattering elements across hundreds of light-years, while smaller stars like our sun shed their outer layers as they expand into red giants.

By studying galaxies like NGC 5134 in infrared light, astronomers can trace this ongoing cycle of stellar birth, evolution and recycling, helping scientists understand how galaxies grow and change over billions of years.

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022, having previously worked as a staff writer for All About Space magazine. She completed an editorial internship with BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre, communicating space science to the public.

Daisy holds a PhD in plant physiology and a Master's in Environmental Science. Based in Nottingham, U.K., she covers all things space, with a special focus on solar activity and space weather. She also has a keen interest in astrotourism and is always on the lookout for the next northern lights adventure.

She will be a guest speaker aboard HX's Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 and will join Hurtigruten as an onboard astronomer for a northern lights sailing in January 2027.