Science & Tech · Space · 11 hrs ago
Webb reveals young stars in the aftermath of Arp 263’s galactic merger
Webb has revealed young star clusters in Arp 263, an irregular galaxy about 25 million light-years away in the constellation Leo.
Its uneven shape and curved tails of stars are signs of a past collision between galaxies.
Astronomers cannot see the galaxy that collided with it; it may have been torn apart and absorbed, or left a remnant that is hard to detect.
The collision’s effects include widespread formation of new stars across Arp 263.
Webb’s infrared camera can see through some gas and dust, showing stars and clusters that are harder to spot in visible light.
The observations help astronomers study how nearby, star-forming galaxies change after disruptions.
The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed clusters of newly forming stars in Arp 263, a galaxy still showing signs of a merger.
Arp 263 is about 25 million light-years away in the constellation Leo.
Astronomers believe its irregular shape and other features are evidence of a past collision between galaxies.
Webb’s infrared observations show stars and clusters within dense clouds of gas and dust.
Astronomers cannot see the galaxy that collided with Arp 263.
- Who
- The James Webb Space Telescope observed Arp 263.
- What
- Webb revealed clusters of newly forming stars in the galaxy. Astronomers believe it is still unsettled after a merger.
- When
- The image was published on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Arp 263, about 25 million light-years away in the constellation Leo.
- Why
- Astronomers believe a galactic collision disrupted the galaxy and helped trigger widespread star formation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Arp 263 was first discovered.
Arp 263 was included in Halton Arp’s Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies.
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope imaged Arp 263.
Earth.com reported on Webb’s view of the galaxy.
- Distance
- About 25 million light-years
- Constellation
- Leo
- Other name
- NGC 3239
- Webb instrument
- Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam)
- First discovery
- 1784
- Hubble image
- 2023