The Japanese infrared space telescope aboard the ASTRO-F that launched last February 21 has finally sent back its very first images.

AKARI beamed back images showing different wavelengths of the infrared spectrum from the M81 galaxy  (this is a spiral in the constellation of Ursa Major). The European Space Agency and JAXA are collaborating on this project to further explore the universe using the better sensitivity and improved spatial resolution of AKARI.

Scientists believe that using infrared space telescopes will help in mapping out the galaxies near our own, and hopefully they will also help in giving us a clearer picture of the universe. AKARI will continue on with its mission of discovering and studying fainter sources and more distant objects that weren't detected by previous infrared space telescopes.