Chandra Release - June 26, 2017

Visual Description: Arp 299

This composite view of Arp 299 shows two galaxies in the midst of merging, filled with energetic activity. Bright patches of pink and purple mark intense X-ray emission (from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and NuSTAR), while the softer white and brown background reveals the stars and gas seen in optical light. Scattered through the overlapping galaxy pair are many point-like bright X-ray sources embedded in regions of active star formation. The glow of diffuse hot gas spreads throughout, especially around the merging cores, giving the scene a swirling, chaotic texture. Altogether it's a cosmic jumble shaped like a smooshed croissant: galaxies blending, birthing stars, and lighting up in X-rays. Additionally, the intertwined arms of the two galaxies can be compared to two dancers holding hands, gracefully moving around each other in a cosmic waltz. Overall, the X-ray and optical composite image of Arp 299 provides a fascinating glimpse into the celestial dance of merging galaxies.