APOD: 2026 January 21 - Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 1365 from Webb

Good morning, Rallypoint, and welcome to the January 21, 2026 edition of Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD).

There are three basic categories of galaxies (based on their visual shape, or morphology): ellipticals, spirals, and irregulars. Spiral galaxies, such as our own Milky Way and NGC 1365, are barred-spiral galaxies due to a linear, bar-shaped band of stars that extends outward to either side of the galactic core and merging into the spiral arm structure. Evidence suggests that a large black hole is usually found in the center of a galactic core.

This image from the Webb Space Telescope reveals details of NGC-1365 in infrared light. The field of view covers less than a third (60,000 light-years) of the galaxy's 200,000 light year expanse.