Centaurus A (MIRI Image)

Centaurus A (MIRI Image)

· NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) reveals the nearby galaxy Centaurus A, exposing the dusty structures and hidden activity that shape this unusual system. Webb’s infrared vision unveils intricate filaments, loops, and glowing clouds of warm dust stretching across its center. At the heart of the galaxy, an actively feeding supermassive black hole shines brightly, surrounded by complex structures sculpted by a past galactic collision and ongoing activity.

Deeper Dive

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Image Details

About the Object

R.A. Position13:25:30.09
Dec. Position-42:58:13.62
ConstellationCentaurus
DistanceAbout 11 million light-years away
DimensionsThis image is about 8.2 arcminutes across (26,000 light-years)

About the Data

Data DescriptionThis image was created with Webb data from proposal: 12496 (M. Garcia Marin).
InstrumentMIRI
Exposure Dates22 Jan. 2026
FiltersF560W, F770W, F1000W