The rightmost image in this inset graphic shows a massive spiral galaxy. To its left, white text reads “Arp 271” and a more zoomed-out image below shows two interacting spiral galaxies with a white box designating the portion that is the rightmost image.

Hubble Observes a Galactic Distortion

The galaxy NGC 5427 shines in the large image from Hubble, with ground-based observations showing its companion galaxy NGC 5426. Together, this pair is known as Arp 271.

Credits: Ground-based image: DECam Victor M. Blanco/CTIO; Hubble image: NASA, ESA, and R. Foley (University of California – Santa Cruz); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)