James Webb Space Telescope Feed Post

Arp 142 (Full Field/NIRCam only)

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. This image is NIRCam only. Read more: go.nasa.gov/3Wit09B Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI Image description: Webb’s near-infrared image shows the Penguin’s beak, head, and back in shades of pink. It’s tail-like region is more diffuse, and a mix of lighter pinks as well as blues. The Egg appears slightly larger in blue layers. A semi-transparent blue forms an upside down U overtop both galaxies. At top right, the edge-on galaxy has many more pinpricks of light, which are stars. Thousands of galaxies and stars appear throughout the background. Some galaxies are shades of orange, while others are white. Image & Description by NASA