NASA's James Webb and Hubble telescopes have captured two galaxies that look like two creepy eyes watching us from space.
The two spiral galaxies, located 114 million light-years from Earth, are known as IC 2163 and NGC 2207. These cosmic eyes, with their vivid red and pink colors, stand out against the dark background of the universe.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said the striking colors of the two galaxies are visible thanks to advanced instruments on the James Webb Space Telescope and the older Hubble
See also: James Webb spotted galaxy brighter than its stars
Webb's Mid-Infrared Instrument , also known as MIRI, is an imager that has helped reveal new features of galaxies.
NASA said IC 2163, seen on the left, is slowly creeping behind NGC 2207. This pair of galaxies is currently in the process of colliding and merging, a process that will take about a billion years.
These galaxies also have a high rate of star formation , producing the equivalent of two dozen new stars the size of the Sun. The lower part of the smaller IC 2163 is filled with new star formation.
See also: James Webb: Huge black hole "kills" its galaxy!
Stars are hot balls of gas, and our Milky Way contains more than 100 billion, while producing only two or three new sun-like stars each year
IC 2163 and NGC 2207 have hosted seven known starbursts in recent decades, which may have allowed additional stars to form.
See also: James Webb recorded “newly born stars” in the Serpent Nebula
According to NASA, galaxies will continue this cosmic dance, side by side, for millions of years. However, the cores and arms of galaxies can gradually merge. Astronomers are fascinated by such events, as they offer a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the universe. During the collision, galaxies exchange gas and stars, eventually leading to a spectacular merger. Studying these collisions provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies, deepening our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
Source: www.independent.co.uk
