Stretched in a cross pattern: Our neighboring galaxy is pulled in two axes

Researchers have discovered that Cepheid variable stars in our neighboring galaxy, the Small Magellanic Cloud, are moving in opposing directions along two distinct axes. They found that stars closer to Earth move towards the northeast, while more distant stars move southwest. This newly discovered movement pattern exists alongside a northwest-southeast opposing movement that the scientists previously observed in massive stars.

source https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250515131708.htm