The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has unveiled a cosmic beacon within the nearby active galaxy Messier 77, also known as the Squid Galaxy. This galaxy, discovered in 1780, is a Type II Seyfert galaxy with an active galactic nucleus, surrounded by hot dust and emitting highly polarized light. The JWST's infrared power has revealed new features, including a central galactic bar, a starburst ring, and a population of hot dust, showcasing the galaxy's complex structure and energetic core. The central region, one of the most energetic galactic engines in the nearby Universe, emits X-rays and gamma rays, with a dense, dust-rich torus of gas surrounding the supermassive black hole. The galaxy's gravity distorts surrounding smaller galaxies, and it has been detected emitting neutrinos, marking the first non-blazar, non-supernova neutrino source seen outside of our Solar System. The JWST's near-infrared and mid-infrared observations provide a comprehensive view of the galaxy's physics, offering insights into the baryon cycle and the relationship between star formation and active black holes. These observations, along with other PHANGS data, help us understand the life cycle of galaxies and the evolution of the Universe.
