NASA’s Swift satellite reveals neighboring galaxies in unprecedented ultraviolet detail

by Larra Morris

Data from NASA’s Swift satellite has been used to create the highest-ever resolution images of our two nearest galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds. The detailed ultraviolet light surveys measure 160 and 55 megapixels, and cumulatively show some 1.25 million ultraviolet sources.

The two images show ultraviolet light ranging from 1,600 to 3,300 angstroms, a range of light that is largely blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere. The two images were taken using the Swift satellite’s Ultraviolet/Optical telescope (UVOT), and have a cumulative total exposure time of 7.2 days.
via Gizmag

Image: NASA

Want early design analysis without simulation?

Sponsored by Siemens Digital Industries Software

Traditional verification methods are failing today's complex IC designs, which require a proactive, early-stage analysis approach. A shift-left methodology addresses IP block integration challenges and the limitations of traditional simulation and ERC tools. Insight Analyzer detects hard-to-find leakage issues across power domains, enabling early analysis without full simulation. Identify inefficiencies earlier to reduce rework, improve reliability, and enhance power performance.

Click to read more!

featured chalk talk

Designing Scalable IoT Mesh Networks with Digi XBee® for Wi-SUN

Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Digi and Silicon Labs

In this episode of Chalk Talk, Quinn Jones from Digi, Chad Steider from Silicon Labs and Amelia Dalton explore how Wi-SUN Micro-Mesh can reduce cost and simplify deployment for your next IoT mesh network. They also investigate the benefits that Digi XBee solutions bring to these types of networks and how you can jump start your next IoT mesh network design with Silicon Labs and Digi.

Click here for more information about Digi XBee® Wi-SUN® Modules

May 4, 2026

11,161 views

NASA’s Swift satellite reveals neighboring galaxies in unprecedented ultraviolet detail

Related