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Astronomers estimate that the Penguin and the Egg galaxies first interacted 25 million to 75 million years ago. Since then, their celestial dance has continued as they loop around each other.The distorted spiral galaxy at center, the Penguin, and the compact elliptical galaxy at left, the Egg, are locked in an active embrace. via CNN Newsource)Launched on December 25, 2021, the Webb telescope shared its first science observations of the universe on July 12, 2022.
And now, Webb has used its scientific instruments to create a detailed portrait of the intertwined Penguin and Egg galaxies, collectively called Arp 142, by combining observations in both near-infrared and mid-infrared light. The galaxies, so named because of their resemblance to a penguin guarding an egg, are 326 million light-years from Earth in the Hydra constellation.
Initially, the Penguin looked like a spiral, but over time, its appearance has been reshaped through interactions with the Egg galaxy. Now, the center of the galaxy serves as the Penguin’s eye, and its spiral arms have been unwound and resemble a beak, head, backbone and fanning tail. Meanwhile, the oval-shaped Egg galaxy remains much the same. Full of aging stars, the galaxy contains less gas and dust than the Penguin, so its structure hasn’t been disturbed. And since both galaxies have about the same mass, the Penguin hasn’t overtaken the Egg.
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