JWST shares a stunning image of two merging galaxies together known as ARP 142

  • Post author:
  • Post last modified:September 25, 2024
  • Reading time:3 mins read
  • Post category:Celestial Events
You are currently viewing JWST shares a stunning image of two merging galaxies together known as ARP 142
Two interacting galaxies together known as ARP 11. Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI

On July 12, the James Webb Space Telescope shared a stunning image of two merging galaxies, called ARP 142. Based on their appearance, these galaxies have earned the nickname ‘the Penguin and the Egg’.

The ‘Penguin (NGC 2936)’ is an indistinct coiled galaxy present at the center, and the ‘Egg (NGC 2937)’ is a spiral galaxy that looks much like an egg, which can be seen on the left.

The image was shared on X by NASA on July 12, 2024, when JWST was celebrating its second anniversary.

 

Further observations by the James Webb Space Telescope revealed that the ‘Egg’ and the ‘Penguin’ galaxies are 1,00,000 light years apart.

The image shows the ‘Egg’ galaxy on the left and the ‘Penguin’ distorted galaxy on the right, which once was a spiral galaxy. These galaxies are getting closer to each other due to gravitational forces and will apparently merge to form one big galaxy. The interaction between these galaxies is leading to the collision of the dust clouds, which is triggering new star formation.

Nihal Sayyad

Nihal Sayyad is a space enthusiast, Digital journalist and Science Communicator. He loves writing about the universe and cosmos. He aims to raise awareness about fascinating subjects beyond our world and bring interesting and reliable content to his audience.

Leave a Reply