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JWST Captures Chaotic Galaxy Arp 263 in Infrared Detail

other · 2026-09-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a new image of the irregular galaxy Arp 263, also known as NGC 3239, as part of the ESA/Webb Picture of the Month. The image, taken with the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), reveals the galaxy's chaotic structure, which astronomers attribute to a past galactic merger. Arp 263 is listed in Halton Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies and is notable for its odd shape, short curved tails, and intense star formation. The new observations provide unprecedented detail of star-forming regions, showing a curved chain of compact star clusters and a bright nebula. The image also captures the foreground star BD+17 2217, part of the Milky Way, and numerous distant background galaxies. Scientists study Arp 263 to understand star formation processes across different galaxy types. The Hubble Space Telescope previously imaged the galaxy in 2023, but Webb's infrared capabilities offer a different and more advanced view. The image was released on September 1, 2026, with credit to ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, and A. Leroy.

Key facts

  • JWST's NIRCam captured the irregular galaxy Arp 263 in infrared light.
  • Arp 263 is also cataloged as NGC 3239 and is listed in Halton Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies.
  • The galaxy's chaotic shape is believed to result from a past galactic merger.
  • Evidence includes a pair of short, curved tails outside Webb's field of view.
  • Arp 263 is undergoing intense star formation, typical of galaxies with disturbed gas.
  • The image reveals a curved chain of compact star clusters and a bright star-forming nebula.
  • The brightest star in the frame is BD+17 2217, a Milky Way star.
  • Arp 263 is about 25 million light-years away, with many distant galaxies visible in the background.
  • Hubble previously imaged Arp 263 in 2023, but Webb's view is more advanced.
  • The image was released as the ESA/Webb Picture of the Month on September 1, 2026.

Entities

Institutions

  • ESA
  • Webb
  • NASA
  • CSA
  • Hubble Space Telescope
  • James Webb Space Telescope

Sources

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