Interacting Galaxies Arp 142 (Hubble and Webb Image)

Extended Description

This frame is split down the middle. Hubble’s visible light image is shown at left, and Webb’s near-infrared image at right. The background of space is largely black in both images. Both images show NGC 2936 at left, which is nicknamed the Egg, and NGC 2936 at right, nicknamed the Penguin.

The background of Hubble’s visible light image appears darker, with fewer points of light. The Penguin is highly detailed, with a bright blue beak, body, and tail that is covered in an arc of dark brown dust that sweeps from the beak area and ends beyond its tail feathers. The Egg, to its left, appears bright, gleaming largely in yellowish white. The Penguin and the Egg appear separate in this view. Around and behind them are small galaxies in an array of bright reds, greens, and blues, some dotted near the Penguin’s tail feathers and more toward the top of the view. At top right is another galaxy seen from the side, like a disk, pointing roughly at a 45-degree angle. It is light blue and speckled with star clusters. Its length appears approximately as long as the Egg’s height. One foreground star with four large, bright blue diffraction spikes appears along its lower left, and another slightly smaller foreground star appears above it. Dozens of galaxies and stars appear throughout the background. Some galaxies are shades of orange, while others are white.

Webb’s near-infrared image appears busier, with many more points of light. The Penguin’s beak-like region points toward and is above the Egg. The outline of the Penguin’s beak, head, and back appear in shades of pink. It’s tail-like region is more diffuse, and a mix of lighter pinks as well as blues. The Egg, to its left, appears slightly larger, with additional, diffuse blue layers. A semi-transparent blue traces the entire Penguin and extends away, forming an upside down U over top of both galaxies. At top right is another galaxy seen from the side, like a disk, pointing roughly at a 45-degree angle. It is light blue and speckled with clear pinpricks that are star clusters. Its length appears approximately as long as the Egg’s height. One foreground star with eight large, bright blue diffraction spikes appears along its lower left, and another slightly smaller foreground star appears above it. Thousands of galaxies and stars appear throughout the background. Some galaxies are shades of orange, while others are white.

Image Alt Text

Frame is split down the middle: Hubble’s visible light image at left, and Webb’s near-infrared image at right. Both show the Egg at left and the Penguin at right.