NASA telescopes show colliding spiral galaxies in a new combined image.

NASA released an image that combines James Webb Space Telescope infrared data with Chandra X-ray observations of two interacting spiral galaxies. The pair, IC 2163 and NGC 2207, lie about 120 million light-years from Earth.

NASA has released a new image that combines observations from two space telescopes. The picture shows two spiral galaxies interacting as they move toward each other. One telescope, JWST, records infrared light while Chandra records X-rays. Astronomers study such images to learn how galaxy encounters affect star formation and structure. What was announced: - NASA combined James Webb Space Telescope (infrared) and Chandra X-ray Observatory data into a single image. - The image features the spiral galaxies IC 2163 (left) and NGC 2207 (right), about 120 million light-years away. - JWST mid-infrared data highlights dust and cooler material in shades of white, gray, and red. - Chandra X-ray data highlights high-energy regions, including areas of recent star formation, in blue. - The larger galaxy, NGC 2207, is stretching and removing material from the smaller IC 2163 as the two interact and slowly move toward a future merger. Summary: These combined observations give a clearer view of different physical processes in a galactic encounter and how distinct wavelengths reveal complementary details. Researchers will use the data to study where new stars form and how such interactions influence galaxy evolution over time.