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JWST Reveals Surprising Infrared Emissions Near Circinus Galaxy

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) found that 87% of infrared emissions from hot dust near Circinus Galaxy's black hole, 13 million light-years away, originate from the accretion disk.
This result contradicts prior theories that most infrared emissions came from outflows.
The study used the Aperture Masking Interferometer to filter starlight and improve resolution.
The technique could be applied to other black holes and reveal broader emission patterns.

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Story summary

Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) found that 87% of infrared emissions from hot dust near Circinus Galaxy's black hole, 13 million light-years away, originate from the accretion disk.
This result contradicts prior theories that most infrared emissions came from outflows.
The study used the Aperture Masking Interferometer to filter starlight and improve resolution.
The technique could be applied to other black holes and reveal broader emission patterns.