NGC 4302 and NGC 4298

This captivating image captures a cosmic duo—two spiral galaxies that appear remarkably different despite their similar structure and proximity to each other. The striking contrast in their appearance is entirely due to our viewing angle from Earth. NGC 4302, the galaxy on the left, is seen edge-on, presenting a thin, elongated profile that reveals its disk structure and dust lanes slicing through its center. In contrast, NGC 4298 is tilted at an angle that allows us to appreciate its graceful spiral arms, bright core, and intricate structure. This pair demonstrates how perspective dramatically affects our perception of galaxies, offering astronomers a unique opportunity to study spiral galaxy anatomy from complementary viewpoints within the same cosmic neighborhood.