NASA’s Chandra Observatory spots galaxies in holiday shapes, see images here

NASA’s Chandra telescope reveals galaxies and nebulae dressed for the holidays. (Image: NASA//CXC/SAO)

This holiday season, the universe is celebrating in spectacular style. NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has captured galaxies and nebulae resembling snowmen, Christmas trees and festive gifts. These images blend X-ray and visible light, revealing hidden cosmic activity. 2025’s holiday collection turns deep space into a dazzling festive display.

Four new winter-themed images that contain X-rays from Chandra and data from other telescopes have been released. Each image tells a story hidden in X-rays, revealing secrets invisible to the naked eye. Space has never looked so magical. Here are some images shared by NASA's Chandra Observatory.

Two massive galaxies, NGC 4782 and NGC 4783, collide spectacularly. Swirling X-ray gas forms what looks like a scarf around them.

The Cosmic Snowman (Image: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO)

Bright cores resemble snowman “heads,” making the scene instantly recognisable. This collision releases enormous energy, heating gas to millions of degrees.

NGC 2264 glows with dense clouds of star-forming gas. X-rays highlight newborn stars as twinkling “lights” on the tree. The cone-shaped nebula resembles a giant decorated Christmas tree.

The Christmas Tree Nebula, also known as NGC 2264. (Image: NASA/CXC/SAO)

Scientists use it to understand how stars form in dusty regions. Its sparkling X-ray emission reveals energetic processes invisible in visible light. The festive appearance inspires wonder and curiosity about the cosmos.

NGC 6357, nicknamed the “Winter Vista,” looks like snowy mountains in space. Bright X-ray spots mark young, massive stars sculpting surrounding gas. High-energy radiation creates glowing patterns, like cosmic auroras over peaks.

Winter Vista Nebula, NGC 6357 that contains Pismis 24. (Image: NASA/CXC/Penn State/G. Garmire)

Researchers study this nebula to learn how clusters of stars develop. Its structure shows how stellar winds shape interstellar clouds. The image reminds us that space can mirror familiar earthly landscapes.

M78 resembles a pear tree, echoing the “first gift” in carols. X-ray light reveals energetic newborn stars hidden in dusty clouds. The cluster’s shape is irregular yet strikingly festive to the eye.

M78 resembles a pear tree, echoing the “first gift” in carols. (Image: NASA/CXC/SAO)

Astronomers study how stars interact with surrounding gas and dust. It demonstrates the universe’s ability to create familiar forms naturally. This nebula is a playful intersection of science and imagination.

Chandra’s X-ray vision reveals energetic processes invisible to ordinary telescopes. These observations help astronomers understand star formation, galaxy collisions and high-energy gas dynamics.

The 2025 holiday images are more than festive snapshots. They inspire public curiosity while providing real scientific insight. Researchers plan to monitor these regions to track cosmic evolution. Space continues to surprise by showing beauty and science in one frame.