NASA is posting images on their web site of their new infrared space telescope. Below is four of the new images.
Top left: The dusty, star-studded arms of M81, a nearby spiral galaxy similar to our own, are illuminated in unprecedented detail. The image reveals Spitzer's ability to explore regions invisible in optical light.
Top right: A massive disc of dusty debris encircles a nearby star called Fomalhaut. Such discs are remnants of planetary construction; our own planet is believed to have formed out of a similar disc.
Bottom left: Resembling a flaming creature on the run, this image exposes the hidden interior of a dark and dusty cloud in the emission nebula IC 1396. Young stars previously obscured by dust can be seen here for the first time.
Bottom right: This Spitzer image transforms a dark cloud into a silky translucent veil, revealing the stellar winds from an otherwise hidden newborn star called HH46-IR. Spitzer's remarkable capacity to peer through cosmic dust allowed it to unveil this never-before-seen star.
Merry Christmas!
God Bless You,
Hal
Posted by: Hal Paxton | December 25, 2003 at 07:20 AM