The magnificent spiral galaxy NGC 2276 looks a bit lopsided in this Hubble Space Telescope snapshot. A bright hub of older yellowish stars normally lies directly in the center of most spiral galaxies. But the bulge in NGC 2276 looks offset to the upper left.
In reality, a neighboring galaxy to the right of NGC 2276 (NGC 2300, not seen here) is gravitationally tugging on its disk of blue stars, pulling the stars on one side of the galaxy outward to distort the galaxy's normal fried-egg appearance.
This sort of "tug-of-war" between galaxies that pass close enough to feel each other's gravitational pull is not uncommon in the universe. But, like snowflakes, no two close encounters look exactly alike.
In addition, newborn and short-lived massive stars form a bright, blue arm along the upper left edge of NGC 2276. They trace out a lane of intense star formation. This may have been triggered by a prior collision with a dwarf galaxy. It could also be due to NGC 2276 plowing into the superheated gas that lies among galaxies in galaxy clusters. This would compress the gas to precipitate into stars, and trigger a firestorm of starbirth.
The spiral galaxy lies 120 million light-years away, in the northern constellation Cepheus.
Credits: Publication Partners: NASA, ESA, STScI, Paul Sell (University of Florida)
Public domain masterpieces
The mission of this series is to promote space and science. The creators want these designs to hang on your wall, which is in line with our mission in Astrography. That is why we decided to use our competence in printing cosmos inspired graphics and photos to provide you with these projects in the highest possible quality on Fine Art (Giclée) pigments and papers.
These projects are available in the public domain. You can download them from NASA website and print them at any printing house. but we are convinced that thanks to our experience in printing space photographs we are able to provide the best quality of these posters in the world. We do not earn on copyright here. In this series, we provide specializing printing competences & technologies (dedicated in space), packaging and worldwide logistics. Let the promotion of science and art become a common fashion.
Posters will look great in your home, children’s room, or office.
Credits: NASA
You may also like
AstroPanel™: Ready-to-Hang Universe
Transform your space with our eye-catching strip-mounted AstroPanel™ Poster! Crafted from premium materials and High-Density Composite panel, this modern masterpiece promises exceptional durability, vibrant colors, and unparalleled visual impact.
Forget about drilling and frame searching - your all-inclusive solution has arrived!

Fine Art™ Print
Experience the cosmos with Astrography™ Fine Art Print. Crafted with Giclée technology on heavyweight paper, it offers stunning deep space detail. This museum-grade, eco-friendly print is delivered ready to frame (not. inc.), turning any space into your personal galaxy.

Poster™ Print
Elevating beyond ordinary, mass-produced posters, our prints offer remarkable quality and finesse. Immerse in the vibrant space hues, accentuated by a refined satin finish. Ready for framing (not inc.), these pieces blend seamlessly with any decor.
Explore Astrography™ Posters
Super Happy Customers
We are immensely grateful to our fans for helping us become the leading global seller of space art. With our products reaching over 20,000 customers across 70 nations, your support has truly been invaluable.
Meet Jesion
Hey there, space enthusiasts! I’m Adam Jesionkiewicz, the founder of Astrography. A few years ago, I decided to step off the corporate ladder and follow my lifelong dream—immersing myself in the breathtaking beauty of the cosmos. Astrography isn't just a business; it's a sanctuary for anyone captivated by the stars, planets, and galaxies far, far away.