James Webb Space Telescope Feed Post

Vivid Portrait of Interacting Galaxies Marks Webb's Second Anniversary

Penguins make excellent parents, even in space. ?? This new Webb image shows two galaxies: a Penguin (NGC 2936) guarding an Egg (NGC 2937). Webb’s observations reveal the two are in a cosmic hug, joined together by a blue haze of stars and gas. We’re shaped by those closest to us, and this pair is no different. The galaxies have been merging for tens of millions of years, and will eventually become one. In fact, only about 100,000 light-years separate the Penguin and the Egg. (To compare, our Milky Way and its neighboring Andromeda Galaxy are about 2.5 million light-years apart!) Two years ago, we revealed Webb’s first images to the world. Since then, it has discovered the most distant known galaxy, opened a new window into the atmospheres of other worlds, and provided unparalleled insight into the birth of stars and planets. We can’t wait to see how Webb will guide the next generation of explorers. Read more: go.nasa.gov/3Wit09B Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI Image description: Arp 142, two interacting galaxies, observed in near- and mid-infrared light. At left is NGC 2937, nicknamed the Egg. Its center is the brighter and whiter. There are six diffraction spikes atop its gauzy blue layers. At right is NGC 2936, nicknamed the Penguin. Its beak-like region points toward and above the Egg. Where the eye would be is a small, opaque yellow spiral. The Penguin’s distorted arms form the bird’s beak, back, and tail. The tail is wide and layered, like a beta fish’s tail. A semi-transparent blue hue traces the Penguin and extends from the galaxy, creating an upside-down U over top of both galaxies. At top right is another galaxy seen from the side, pointing roughly at a 45-degree angle. It is largely light blue. Its length appears approximately as long as the Egg’s height. One foreground star with large, bright blue diffraction spikes appears over top of the galaxy and another near it. The entire black background is filled with tiny, extremely distant galaxies. Image & Description by NASA