A recently released image from the James Webb Space Telescope shows the stunning galaxies IC 1623 A and B, located 270 million light-years away, in the process of merging.
When these two galaxies collide, they intersect and feed high levels of star formation, creating a region known as the starburst region.
James Webb captured the image using three of his tools: MIRI, NIRSpec, and NIRCam.
Digitartlends reported that each instrument looked at a different part of the infrared to see different features of the merging galaxy.
“This interactive galactic system is particularly bright at infrared wavelengths, making it an ideal demonstration ground for Webb’s ability to study luminous galaxies,” the Webb scientists said.
Rapid star formation occurs when tidal forces from the gravitational pull of two galaxies pull on clouds of dust and gas, causing the birth of new stars.
It is also believed that when these two galaxies merge, they may create a new supermassive black hole.