Tag Archive for 'ULIRG'

Hydrocarbons play a key role in shaping the chemistry of the interstellar medium, but their enrichment and relation with carbonaceous grains and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons still lack clear observational constraints. García-Bernete et al. report on the Webb infrared observations of the local ultra-luminous infrared galaxy (ULIRG) IRAS 07251-0248, which revealed the extragalactic detection of small gas-phase hydrocarbons. Image credit: García-Bernete et al., doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02750-0.

Webb Detects Unexpected Richness of Hydrocarbons in Obscured Core of Nearby Ultra-Luminous Galaxy

Feb 8, 2026 by News Staff

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have uncovered an unprecedented richness of small gas-phase hydrocarbons — such as...

$This image, captured by Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), shows Arp 220, a duo of colliding galaxies with merging cores; the brilliant light from the star-formation surrounding these cores creates diffraction spikes. Image credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / K. Pontoppidan, STScI / A. Pagan, STScI.$

Webb Sees Ultraluminous Galaxy Collision: Arp 220

Apr 18, 2023 by News Staff

Arp 220 is the result of a collision between two spiral galaxies; the enormous object glows brightest in infrared light, making it an ideal target for...