NGC 2207 and IC 2163 are a pair of colliding spiral galaxies about 80 million light-years away in the constellation Canis Major. NGC 2207, the larger galaxy, is classified as an intermediate spiral galaxy exhibiting a weak inner ring structure around the central bar. The smaller companion spiral, IC 2163, is classified as a barred spiral galaxy that also exhibits a weak inner ring and an elongated spiral arm that is likely being stretched by tidal forces with the larger companion. Both galaxies contain a vast amount of dust and gas, and are beginning to exhibit enhanced rates of star formation. Scientists are interested in studying this because it reflects the probable fate of our Milky Way when it and the Andromeda galaxy merge some 4 billion years in the future.

Using both ESA/ESO/NASA provided software and Photoshop, I combined b&w Hubble Space Telescope images (courtesy NASA and MAST) taken with UV, blue, yellow-green, and red filters to create this image.