Two galaxies collide in image from Gemini North telescope

Hard as it is to imagine, out in the depths of space entire galaxies can collide. Galactic collisions can be sites of not only destruction but creation, as the two interacting galaxies can create pockets of intense star formation as they merge. The slow process of merging can happen over millions of years, meaning that astronomers can spot these mergers as they happen.

One such merger has been captured by NOIRLab’s Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, showing the two galaxies NGC 4568 and NGC 4567 in the dramatic process of colliding and merging. The two are currently just 20,000 light-years apart, and they are poised to enter a destructive phase of merging.

Apair of interacting spiral galaxies -- NGC 4568 (bottom) and NGC 4567 (top) -- as they begin to clash and merge. This image from the Gemini North telescope in Hawai’i reveals a pair of interacting spiral galaxies — NGC 4568 (bottom) and NGC 4567 (top) — as they begin to clash and merge. The galaxies will eventually form a single elliptical galaxy in around 500 million years. International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA Image processing: T.A.

Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF’s NOIRLab), J. Miller (Gemini Observatory/NSF’s NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF’s NOIRLab) & D. de Martin (NSF’s NOIRLab)

The two galaxies are located 60 million light-years away, toward the constellation of Virgo, and both are spiral galaxies like our Milky Way.

However, as they get closer and closer the enormous gravitational forces involved in the merger will begin to distort their shapes, stretching out parts while triggering bursts of star formation in certain pockets. “As NGC 4568 and NGC 4567 draw together and coalesce, their dueling gravitational forces will trigger bursts of intense stellar formation and wildly distort their once-majestic structures,” NOIRLab writes. “Over millions of years, the galaxies will repeatedly swing past each other in ever-tightening loops, drawing out long streamers of stars and gas until their individual structures are so thoroughly mixed that a single, essentially spherical, galaxy emerges from the chaos. By that point, much of the gas and dust (the fuel for star formation) in this system will have been used up or blown away.”

Just to add to the existential horror aspect of this image, NOIRLab also points out that this is similar to what will eventually happen to the Milky Way when the nearby Andromeda galaxy collides with our home galaxy in around 4 billion years’ time.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

bit-defender listed on couponmatrix.ukforever-21 listed on couponmatrix.uknip-fab listed on couponmatrix.ukoak-furniture-land listed on couponmatrix.ukshuttle-direct listed on couponmatrix.uksimba-sleep listed on couponmatrix.uk
bit-defender listed on couponmatrix.ukWe all want to be safe online don’t we? You wouldn’t go into a sewer with no protection, would you? If you don’t have any protection on your computer, then that’s exactly what you are doing. Thankfully you can get protected by choosing Bitdefender. Since 2001 they have worked to protect computers from threats and viruses. Today they work with Government organisations, large enterprise, SMEs and private individuals in more than 150 countries, constantly working with a team of 1300, including 600 engineers and researchers to provide the most innovative protection for your technology. No matter whether you want to keep one computer, or an entire network safe, Bitdefender offers everything you need, and with our voucher codes you can get safe and save money while you’re doing it. Bitdefender offers support for all their users. Browse their website for their top solutions for the most common problems users have. There’s also a selection of videos showing you how to carry out the solutions. If these aren’t of any use you can contact Bitdefender via email, chat or by phone. Ensuring you’ll get a solution to your problem.
forever-21 listed on couponmatrix.ukWith designs that set trends without breaking the bank, think only of Forever 21. Home to chic styles tailored to both men and women, including plenty for plus sizes too, anyone is free to bulk out their wardrobe with the hottest fashion for less with a Forever 21 discount code. With a forward-thinking mindset that includes the banning of fur, angora and mohair whilst supporting organically-grown fibres in all its threads, there’s no reason not to look and feel your finest whenever you dress with Forever 21.
nip-fab listed on couponmatrix.ukNip and Fab are the beauty, skincare, and makeup range we’ve been waiting for. With no fear of innovative methods and exciting ingredients, they’ll have you looking salon fresh without any nasty needles. With your Nip and Fab discount code, you can finally get the look you’ve been dreaming of without needing to let a tight budget stand in the way of your perfect products. At Nip and Fab, the only limit is what they can imagine up next!
oak-furniture-land listed on couponmatrix.ukOak Furniture Land is the UK’s largest retailer of solid oak furniture, with 100 nationwide locations and an online store stocking an even bigger selection. Invest in a timeless solid oak staple for less with an Oak Furniture Land discount code and refresh your home furniture that will stay beautiful for years to come. From dining sets and sofas to coffee tables and office desks, Oak Furniture Land has a stylish piece for every home.
shuttle-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukLooking for a hassle-free way to get from the airport to your hotel (and vice versa)? All holidays should start and end with a Shuttle Direct ride. Offering a range of services in the UK and across the globe, it’s undoubtedly the best way to get your well-deserved holiday off to a swimming start. Wherever you’re flying, and whether you’re booking a single or round trip, make sure you reserve your seat with our Shuttle Direct discount codes to save yourself a tidy sum! When booking a trip abroad, every little saving helps – starting with your airport transfer. That’s why we work hard to find the best Shuttle Direct promo codes and gather them in one place: leaving you with some extra loose change to spend at your dream destination. Whether you’re looking for a standard transfer or something a little more luxurious, we’ve got you covered with Shuttle Direct vouchers to enjoy great discounts on your next trip. Shuttle Direct is one of the leading providers of airport transfers, operating everywhere from Portugal to the Philippines, and it'll take you wherever you need to be. One of the most popular services is the Shuttle Direct Benidorm shuttle which can ship you and your luggage from Alicante to Benidorm in under an hour. It’s the ideal way to start your holiday in style and avoid expensive taxis from the airport—especially if you apply our Shuttle Direct voucher codes to keep the costs low!
simba-sleep listed on couponmatrix.ukGive the award-winning SIMBA hybrid mattress a spin and allow the support of 2,500 pocket springs and a layer of cloud-like memory foam to lull you into the best sleep of your life. A SIMBA mattress discount code from us will place those elusive sweet dreams within easy reach, cutting the cost of this perfectly engineered mattress and accompanying bedroom accessories. With cooling airflow, no motion transfer and the right support for people of all shapes and sizes, it’s not hard to see why SIMBA is the king of the mattress world.