When galaxies collide

These two interacting galaxies are providing us with a rare opportunity to observe a galactic collision

This stunning image, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, shows the individual galaxies UGC 1810 (top) and UGC 1813 (bottom) in the process of colliding. Together, this pair of interacting galaxies is known as Arp 273. The interaction of galaxies is thought to be relatively common in the universe, particularly within galactic clusters, however, the opportunity to directly observe one such as this is incredibly rare. The two galaxies are located around 300 million light years from Earth in the Andromeda constellation. A collision is actually thought to have already occurred, with UGC 1813 passing through the five times more massive UGC 1810. As a result, the smaller galaxy is now showing signs of intense star formation at its nucleus. It is possible, though, that they will collide again in…

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All About Space Tour of the Universe (Digital) - 1 Issue, All About Space Tour of the Universe 4th Edition

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