NASA Hubble Image: Galaxy Collision Penguin and Egg

This image shows the two galaxies interacting. NGC 2936, once a standard spiral galaxy, and NGC 2937, a smaller elliptical, bear a striking resemblance to a penguin guarding its egg. Image released June 20, 2013.

CREDIT: NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)

A cosmic penguin shines 326 million light-years from Earth in a stunning new photo from the Hubble Space Telescope.

While the celestial bird, which lies in the constellation Hydra, looks tranquil enough, the photo actually shows two galaxies colliding into each other, scientists say.

Blue wisps that create the body of the penguin are the warped guts of the spiral galaxy NGC 2936.

A bright blob at the bottom left that looks like the penguin's egg is actually a second, elliptical galaxy, NGC 2937, responsible for tearing its companion asunder. Together, the pair is known as Arp 142.