McMaster University

Published purpose

Following the JWST ERS and Cycle 2 GO Announcement of Opportunity published on July 6, 2023, the CSA is providing funding via a Grant Agreement to the university to conduct their research using the JWST data. This project aims to use two imaging cameras on JWST to uncover a large population of star clusters in their early infancy in a nearby galaxy¿ M64 also known as the “Evil Eye Galaxy”. The rare proximity to this galaxy means JWST can discern individual star clusters and surrounding regions containing ionized gas, as well as detect the filamentary gas structures that underlie and possibly fuel the cluster-forming sites. This program will provide the last missing piece for a synthesized study of star clusters, gas filaments, and HII regions in a unique, close-by galaxy.