Science Source Stock Photo - Galactic Interactions

Galactic Interactions

Description: A new feature in the evolution of galaxies has been captured in this image of galactic interactions. The two galaxies seen here, NGC 3226 at the top and NGC 3227 at the bottom, are awash in the remains of a departed third galaxy, cannibalized by the gravity of the surviving galaxies. The surge of warm gas flowing into NGC 3226, seen as a blue filament, appears to be shutting down this galaxy's star formation, disrupting the cool gas needed to make fresh stars. The interacting galaxies are located 49 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. Visible starlight at wavelengths of 550 to 700 nanometers is shown in gray scale. The infrared glow of dust is displayed in red, while the radio glow of hydrogen gas is shown in blue.

Credit:

NASA/CFHT/NRAO/JPL-Caltech/Duc/Cuillandre/Science Source

Unique identifier: SS2666566

Legacy Identifier: JB6175

Type: Image

Size: 4087px × 4200px (~49 MB)

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