AKARI all-sky images: 65, 90, 140 and 160 micrometres
The AKARI space telescope has observed 99% of the sky, with 1 to 1.5 arcminute resolution, at four far-infrared wavelengths: 65, 90, 140 and 160 micrometres.
Although far-infrared images at wavelengths below 100 micrometres had been obtained previously by IRAS, the AKARI all-sky images at longer wavelengths (140 and 160 micrometres) are the first of their kind.
The bright, horizontal band at the centre of each image is the Milky Way. Observations at longer wavelengths show the distribution of cooler interstellar material.
The S-shaped band that is most prominent at 65 micrometres represents light from dust in the Solar System.
Last Update: 1 September 2019