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James Webb Telescope Discovers Eternal Sunrises and Sunsets on Alien Worlds

In this captivating image, the distorted spiral galaxy, dubbed the Penguin, and the compact elliptical galaxy, known as the Egg, are seen in a cosmic dance. Captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope using its NIRCam and MIRI instruments, this near- and mid-infrared view marks Webb's second anniversary of scientific observations. Their interaction, collectively referred to as Arp 142, is highlighted by a blue glow of scattered stars, indicating new star formation in the Penguin. These galaxies, of roughly equal mass, made their initial pass between 25 and 75 million years ago. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI

July 12, 2024 - On the second anniversary of its groundbreaking scientific operations, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has unveiled a breathtaking image of two interacting galaxies known as Arp 142. Captured using Webb's Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), this vibrant portrait showcases the galaxies NGC 2937 and NGC 2936, aptly nicknamed the Egg and the Penguin.

The Cosmic Dance of Arp 142

The cosmic interaction between NGC 2937 (the Egg) and NGC 2936 (the Penguin) began approximately 25 to 75 million years ago. These two galaxies are engaged in a slow gravitational dance that will eventually merge them into a single entity hundreds of millions of years from now. Webb’s specialized infrared capabilities have captured this celestial ballet in unprecedented detail, revealing the intricate interplay of stars and gas.

A Closer Look at the Egg and the Penguin

In the Webb image, NGC 2937, the Egg, is seen as a bright, compact elliptical galaxy with a predominantly white center. Its gauzy blue layers and six prominent diffraction spikes give it a distinct appearance. The Penguin, NGC 2936, is characterized by its distorted spiral arms that form the bird’s beak, head, and wide, layered tail, resembling a beta fish’s tail. The Penguin’s beak points toward the Egg, with a small, opaque yellow spiral marking where its eye would be.

A striking semi-transparent blue hue extends from the Penguin, creating an upside-down U shape that envelops both galaxies. This blue haze is a mix of stars and gas, a testament to their ongoing interaction.

Webb's Infrared Insights

Webb's observations in near- and mid-infrared light highlight the unique characteristics of these galaxies. The Penguin's arms are rich in gas and dust, which have been gravitationally pulled into waves, sparking new star formation. These regions, represented in pink and purple, contain carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which Webb excels at detecting.

In contrast, the Egg remains largely unchanged due to its compact elliptical structure filled with aging stars and minimal gas and dust. This stability is partly because both galaxies are of similar mass, preventing one from overpowering the other.

Beyond the Dance: A Universe in the Background

Webb's image of Arp 142 is not only a detailed study of these interacting galaxies but also a window into the distant universe. The background is filled with countless galaxies, some spiral and oval-shaped, others appearing as shapeless dots. This abundance of distant celestial objects showcases the sensitivity and resolution of Webb's infrared instruments, far surpassing previous telescopes like Hubble and Spitzer.

Comparing Webb and Hubble

A side-by-side comparison of Webb’s infrared view and Hubble’s visible light image of Arp 142 underscores the advancements in astronomical imaging. While Hubble provides a detailed view of the Penguin’s structure and the Egg’s brightness, Webb reveals additional layers of detail, including the faint blue haze and the myriad of distant galaxies in the background.

Future Discoveries Await

Marking its second anniversary, the James Webb Space Telescope continues to transform our understanding of the universe. Its ability to capture stunning images and detailed spectra is shedding light on longstanding cosmic mysteries and inspiring future generations of scientists and explorers.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson remarked, “Since President Biden and Vice President Harris unveiled the first image from the James Webb Space Telescope two years ago, Webb has continued to unlock the mysteries of the universe. With remarkable images from the corners of the cosmos, going back nearly to the beginning of time, Webb’s capabilities are shedding new light on our celestial surroundings and inspiring future generations of scientists, astronomers, and explorers.”

Mark Clampin, director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, added, “In just two years, Webb has transformed our view of the universe, enabling the kind of world-class science that drove NASA to make this mission a reality. Webb is providing insights into longstanding mysteries about the early universe and ushering in a new era of studying distant worlds, while returning images that inspire people around the world and posing exciting new questions to answer. It has never been more possible to explore every facet of the universe.”

As Webb continues its mission, astronomers and enthusiasts alike eagerly anticipate the wealth of discoveries that lie ahead.

Source - NASA

For all the Webb Discoveries Check out Chronological List of James Webb Space Telescope Discoveries.

In this mid-infrared image from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the interacting galaxies of Arp 142 are vividly displayed. The Egg appears as a small, teal oval, signifying its composition of old stars with depleted gas and dust. On the right, the Penguin showcases star-forming regions in pink and purple, containing smoke-like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI