Space telescopes can show the history of a galaxy. A galaxy is a huge group of stars, gas, and dust. When galaxies meet, their strong pull changes their shapes. This event is called a galaxy merger. It means two galaxies slowly join together. Gas and dust move, so many new stars can form.
A new Webb image gives a clear example. It shows Centaurus A, about 11 million light-years from Earth. A light-year is the distance light travels in one year. This galaxy hit another galaxy about two billion years ago. The crash is over, but its signs remain. A wide dust band crosses the bright center. Pink clouds make an unusual S shape. Webb sees infrared light, which human eyes cannot see. This light passes through dust better than visible light. So, the telescope can find hidden stars and star-making areas. Scientists can study these stars like pages in an old diary. They help explain the galaxy’s long and violent past. (science.nasa.gov)










