Webb uncovers dust-shrouded heart of Centaurus A after galaxy clash 2 billion years ago

In new images from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to celebrate its fourth science anniversary, a familiar galaxy transforms into something far richer and far more complex than ever seen before.

Webb's unprecedented sensitivity across near- and mid-infrared wavelengths cuts through the thick lanes of dust that obscure Centaurus A's center in visible light, showing a densely packed tapestry of individual stars and an active, ever-changing galaxy.

These images mark four years of better-than-anticipated performance and successful science operations for the most powerful space telescope in history. ...