NASA · Space

Chandra X-ray Observatory Captures Merging Galaxies

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, along with the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, has released new images of the II Zw 096 system, showcasing a dramatic galactic merger.

The image highlights the intense rate at which these two galaxies are merging. Chandra's X-ray data, shown in magenta, reveals significant black hole activity and hot gas within the system.

Optical data from the Hubble Space Telescope (blue and white) and infrared data from the James Webb Space Telescope illuminate areas of star formation that are obscured by interstellar dust.

Scientists believe that studying systems like II Zw 096 provides valuable insights into how galaxy collisions influenced the evolution of the early universe.

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