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

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Proxy Error Settings Fix

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Proxy Error Settings Fix

Struggling with Microsoft Teams Proxy Error? Discover proven Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams "Proxy Error" Settings Fix steps. Clear cache, adjust proxy settings, and get back to seamless calls in minutes with our expert guide.

Solving Microsoft Teams OneDrive Error File Sync

Solving Microsoft Teams OneDrive Error File Sync

Tired of Microsoft Teams OneDrive Error blocking file sync? Follow our step-by-step guide to solve Microsoft Teams "OneDrive Error" File Sync issues quickly. Proven fixes for smooth collaboration in Teams channels. Get your files syncing error-free today!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Workflows and Power Automate Errors

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Workflows and Power Automate Errors

Tired of Microsoft Teams workflows and Power Automate errors halting your productivity? Get step-by-step solutions to common issues like authentication failures, timeouts, and flow errors. Fix them in minutes and automate effortlessly!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Download Error on Macbook

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Download Error on Macbook

Facing Microsoft Teams "Download Error" on MacBook? Discover proven troubleshooting steps to resolve download failures quickly, from cache clears to reinstalls, and get back to smooth teamwork.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Where is Teams Folder Error

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Where is Teams Folder Error

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Where is Teams" Folder Error? Discover proven, step-by-step troubleshooting fixes to resolve it quickly and restore smooth teamwork. Latest methods included!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams JavaScript Error on Desktop App

How to Fix Microsoft Teams JavaScript Error on Desktop App

Frustrated by Microsoft Teams JavaScript Error on desktop app? Discover proven steps to fix it fast: clear cache, update, reset, and reinstall. Get back to seamless collaboration in minutes!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Guest Login Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Guest Login Error

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Guest Login" Error? Discover step-by-step fixes, from quick cache clears to admin settings, to resolve guest access issues fast and collaborate seamlessly. Updated with the latest tips!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams For PC Download Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams For PC Download Error

Tired of the Microsoft Teams "For PC" download error blocking your work? Follow our proven, step-by-step guide to resolve it quickly and get Teams running smoothly on your PC today.

Solving Microsoft Teams Windows 7 Login Error

Solving Microsoft Teams Windows 7 Login Error

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Windows 7" login error? Discover step-by-step fixes for this frustrating issue on Windows 10/11. Clear cache, edit registry, and more – get back to seamless collaboration today!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error Code 0x80070005 (2026 Guide)

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error Code 0x80070005 (2026 Guide)

Tired of Microsoft Teams Error Code 0x80070005 blocking your meetings? Follow this 2026 guide with step-by-step fixes for access denied issues. Get Teams running smoothly in minutes!

How to Install the Microsoft Teams Add-in for Outlook 2026

How to Install the Microsoft Teams Add-in for Outlook 2026

Master the installation of the Microsoft Teams Add-in for Outlook 2026 effortlessly. Boost your productivity with seamless scheduling and meetings. Follow our proven, up-to-date steps for instant success!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams License Error 2026

How to Fix Microsoft Teams License Error 2026

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "License Error" 2026? Discover proven, step-by-step solutions to resolve it fast. Clear cache, check licenses, and get back to seamless collaboration—no IT help needed!

The Best Exercises for 50+

The Best Exercises for 50+

Whether youre in your 50s, 60s, or even 70s, its not too late to prioritize your health and put yourself first. Here are the best exercises for people 50 and older.

Solving Microsoft Teams Error Caa50024 on Windows 10/11

Solving Microsoft Teams Error Caa50024 on Windows 10/11

Struggling with Microsoft Teams Error Caa50024 on Windows 10/11? Follow our step-by-step fixes to resolve crashes and launch issues quickly. Latest proven solutions for seamless teamwork.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Login Error AADSTS50011

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Login Error AADSTS50011

Stuck with Microsoft Teams login error AADSTS50011? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve the reply URL mismatch issue and log in seamlessly. No tech skills needed!