Halloween from space: Galactic duo emerges as creepy eyes staring from space

These sinister yet hauntingly beautiful eyes appear in a new Halloween-themed image, using data from both the Hubble Space Telescope and the world’s most expensive space telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope. They are actually the galaxy pair IC 2163 (left) and NGC 2207 (right) interacting and moving closer to form a galaxy cluster with many interesting features.

In reality, these two galaxies won’t collide directly, as one passes in front of the other. However, the interaction is close enough for the light from the two galaxies to interfere with each other, creating some rare effects. If you look closely at the galaxy on the left, you can see how its spiral arms have been stretched out into elongated shapes, likely due to its close passage into the gravitational pull of the other nearby galaxy. The bright red lines around the “eyes” are created by shockwaves, as material from each galaxy collides with the other.

While this interaction may sound violent, it also helps spur star formation. That’s because the force of gravity pulling on the dust and gas in each galaxy can create compressed regions where the higher density makes it more likely for clumps to form, eventually turning into stars. This process creates bright, young stars that shine throughout both galaxies.

“Both galaxies have high rates of star formation, like countless individual hearts pulsing throughout their arms, ” explains James Webb, a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. “IC 2163 and NGC 2207 produce about two dozen new Sun-sized stars each year. By comparison, our own Milky Way galaxy produces only about two or three new Sun-like stars each year. In addition, the two galaxies have also hosted seven known supernova events in recent decades, a high number compared to an average of one every 50 years in the Milky Way. Each supernova would have cleared space in the galaxy’s arms, rearranging gas and dust, then cooling and allowing more new stars to form .”

Halloween from space: Galactic duo emerges as creepy eyes staring from space
The image combines infrared light from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and visible and ultraviolet light from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The pair passed each other millions of years ago. The smaller spiral galaxy on the left, catalogued as IC 2163, passed behind NGC 2207, the larger spiral galaxy on the right. Both have increased star formation rates. Combined, they are estimated to produce the equivalent of two dozen new stars the size of the Sun each year.

You can see the star-forming regions by looking at the glowing blue regions (from Hubble data) and the pink and white regions (from James Webb data). The two telescopes produce images that look different because they operate at different wavelengths. Hubble looks at the visible light spectrum, similar to what the human eye sees, while Webb looks in the infrared, seeing things we can't and highlighting the busy "starburst" regions where lots of new stars are forming.

Leave a Comment

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Time Limit Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Time Limit Error

Tired of Microsoft Teams "Time Limit" Error crashing your meetings? Follow our proven, step-by-step guide to fix it quickly—update app, clear cache, and more for seamless collaboration. Works on latest versions!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Layout Error After Update

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Layout Error After Update

Facing Microsoft Teams Layout Error after the latest update? Discover proven step-by-step fixes to resolve layout glitches, restore perfect UI, and boost productivity fast. No tech skills needed!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error K Security

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error K Security

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Error K" Security? Follow our step-by-step guide to fix it quickly—no tech expertise needed. Get back to seamless collaboration today!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Update Error 0x80070002

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Update Error 0x80070002

Struggling with Microsoft Teams Update Error 0x80070002? Discover step-by-step fixes to resolve it quickly. Clear cache, repair files, and get back to seamless updates today!

Solving Microsoft Teams Web Error Browser Login

Solving Microsoft Teams Web Error Browser Login

Tired of Microsoft Teams "Web Error" blocking your browser login? Follow our step-by-step guide with proven fixes to resolve Teams web login issues fast and securely. Get back to work!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error O Offline

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error O Offline

Stuck with Microsoft Teams "Error O" Offline? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to get back online fast. Clear cache, restart, and more – no tech skills needed!

Where is Microsoft Teams in Outlook? Locating the Missing Icon

Where is Microsoft Teams in Outlook? Locating the Missing Icon

Frustrated by the missing Microsoft Teams icon in Outlook? Learn exactly where to find it, why it disappears, and proven steps to restore it for effortless meetings. Updated for the latest versions!

Solving Microsoft Teams Windows 10 Error Login Issues

Solving Microsoft Teams Windows 10 Error Login Issues

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Windows 10 Error" login issues? Get instant fixes for cache clears, updates, and more. Step-by-step solutions to solve Microsoft Teams login error on Windows 10 fast and frustration-free.

Solving Microsoft Teams Website Error Tab Not Loading

Solving Microsoft Teams Website Error Tab Not Loading

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Website Error" where tabs won’t load? Get step-by-step fixes to resolve it quickly and boost your productivity. Essential troubleshooting for seamless Teams experience.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Web Error 503 Service Unavailable

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Web Error 503 Service Unavailable

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Web Error" 503 Service Unavailable? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes for Teams 503 error on web. Get back online fast with our expert guide. Works on all browsers!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Win 7 Error Compatibility

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Win 7 Error Compatibility

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Win 7 Error" compatibility? Discover step-by-step fixes to restore seamless video calls and chats on unsupported Windows versions. Quick, reliable solutions inside!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms License Errors

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms License Errors

Master troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms license errors with this step-by-step guide. Quick fixes for common license issues, admin checks, and prevention tips to get your meetings running smoothly.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Version History Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Version History Error

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Version History" Error? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore access instantly. Clear cache, update Teams, and more—no tech skills needed!

Solving Microsoft Teams Joining Error: Meeting ID Not Found

Solving Microsoft Teams Joining Error: Meeting ID Not Found

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams Joining Error: Meeting ID Not Found? Get step-by-step fixes to rejoin meetings fast. Updated with the latest Teams patches for seamless collaboration. Solve it now!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Video Error Green Screen

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Video Error Green Screen

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Video Error" green screen? Discover proven, step-by-step troubleshooting fixes for seamless video calls. Quick solutions inside!