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AKARI delivers its first images

22 May 2006

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AKARI images of reflection nebula IC4954

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These two images of the reflection nebula IC4954 were taken by the two instruments on board AKARI - the Far-Infrared Surveyor (FIS) – on the left - and the near- and mid-Infrared Camera (IRC) – on the right. The observed wavelengths are 90 and 9 microns, respectively. The IC4954 region is situated at a distance of about 6000 light years from us and extends more than 10 light years across.

In these first infrared images of this area it is possible to see individual stars that have recently been born. They are embedded in gas and dust and could not be seen in visible light. Is it also possible to see the gas clouds from which these stars are made.

Credits: JAXA

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AKARI and IRAS images of a reflection nebula compared

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Images of the reflection nebula IC4954, taken by AKARI’s near-mid-infrared camera (IRC) (left) and IRAS, the only previous infrared sky surveyor (right).

This image comparison shows the enormous improvement in resolution and sensitivity brought by AKARI, which is already able to provide us with much more precise information about this star forming region than previous observations.

Launched in 1983, the IRAS Infra-Red Astronomical Satellite was the first mission to make a complete infrared survey of the entire sky. The mission resulted from the joint venture between the USA, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. IRAS produced infrared maps of the Universe which have been used until the present day.

Credits: JAXA/IRAS

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These infrared images of the galaxy M81 were taken by the near- and mid-Infrared Camera (IRC) on board AKARI. The observed wavelengths are 3, 4, 7, 11, 15, and 24 microns, respectively. M81 is a spiral galaxy located at a distance of about 12 million light years from us.

The images at 3 and 4 microns show the distribution of stars in the inner part of the galaxy without any obscuration from intervening dust clouds. At 7 and 11 microns it is possible to see the radiation from organic materials in the interstellar gas of the galaxy. The distribution of the dust heated by young hot stars is exhibited in the images at 15 and 24 micron, showing that the star forming regions sit along the spiral arms of the galaxy.

Credits: JAXA

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The infrared satellite, AKARI, was successfully launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on 21 February 2006. In a collaborative effort involving ESA and scientists across Europe, the spacecraft (renamed Akari, meaning 'light') will make an unprecedented study of the sky in infrared light.

Credits: JAXA

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