JWST image of Arp 220, also known as IC 4553.

Arp 220 is actually two spiral galaxies in the process of merging. Their two cores are about 1,200 light-years apart. The merger sparked an enormous burst of star formation, creating a star-forming ring in each core. These two adjacent, small, bright areas are responsible for the six large diffraction spikes that dominate the image.

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, A. Pagan
Source: https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/2023/116/01GXS09CCZWBFQKNHCG360W6F1?news=true

#ArpGalaxy #Galaxy #Space #Astronomy