this image shows two hubble space telescope images

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the irregular galaxy Arp 263, which lies approximately 25 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. What makes this image particularly striking is not only the beauty of the galaxy itself but also the unique way it was created and the effect that has on the distinctive diffraction spikes coming from bright objects.

The image shows two galaxies merged together, resulting in a patchy and cloudy appearance. The irregular shape of Arp 263 is thought to have developed when two galaxies collided and merged. This type of galaxy formation is typically caused by interactions with other galaxies, which can occur when a massive galaxy passes by and pulls the original galaxy out of shape.

The image was composed from two different exposures that have been merged together, showcasing the star BD+17 2217 shining over the background irregular galaxy Arp 263. The bright star acts as a stellar photobomber, dominating the view of the galaxy. Despite being overshadowed by the star, Arp 263 is still an impressive sight, with some areas glowing brightly due to recent star formation and other areas appearing practically bare.

Irregular galaxies like Arp 263 are distinct from elliptical or spiral galaxies such as our own Milky Way, which have more defined structures. The unique appearance of Arp 263 makes it a fascinating subject for astronomers, who can learn more about the galaxy's history and evolution by studying its irregular shape.

Overall, this image from the Hubble Space Telescope is notable not only for the object it shows but also for the way it was composed. The combination of two exposures has resulted in a striking visual effect that highlights the beauty of Arp 263 and its unique features.

This image shows two hubble space telescope images