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 unprecedented infrared power has revealed new features, including a central galactic bar, a larger and more extended set of arms and stars, and a pink ring surrounding the central nucleus, known as a starburst ring. The central region of the galaxy is one of the most energetic galactic engines in the nearby Universe, emitting light across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio to gamma rays. The galaxy's gravity twists and distorts smaller galaxies surrounding it, 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 (NIRCam) and mid-infrared (MIRI) instruments have provided a composite image showcasing the galaxy's physics, with the central region outshining the rest of the galaxy in every way. The data acquired from JWST helps us understand the baryon cycle within local galaxies, revealing the physics of how gas flows within galaxies and leads to the formation of new stars. The high-resolution views of the hot gas in the starburst ring surrounding the central black hole are a remarkable feature, exposing these features to astronomers better than ever before. The JWST's observations of Messier 77 provide a 'snapshot' of a spectacular example of the baryon cycle in action, galaxy-wide and up close, in real-time.
