NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes released a gallery of 16 galactic images on Aug 25, 2026, according to the agency. Each image combines X-ray data collected by Chandra over its decades in space with observations from telescopes including NASA's James Webb and Hubble space telescopes, IXPE, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, NuSTAR, and ground- and space-based instruments.

The collection spans the three main galaxy categories described in the release: spirals, older ellipticals likely shaped by mergers, and irregulars. Featured targets include the barred spiral NGC 1672, the merging system II Zw 096, the nearby spiral M33, the dwarf irregular NGC 1569, Centaurus A, M82 and NGC 3256. Entries describe what each wavelength contributes, such as X-rays highlighting black holes, X-ray binaries and hot gas, alongside optical and infrared views of stars and dust.

The release says studying other galaxies offers clues about the Milky Way's past and future. It also notes some collisions shown, such as NGC 3256, offer a preview of what might happen if the Milky Way and Andromeda merge.