Posted on 11/10/2012 9:42:12 AM PST by SunkenCiv
Explanation: In this stunning vista, based on image data from the Hubble Legacy Archive, distant galaxies form a dramatic backdrop for disrupted spiral galaxy Arp 188, the Tadpole Galaxy. The cosmic tadpole is a mere 420 million light-years distant toward the northern constellation Draco. Its eye-catching tail is about 280 thousand light-years long and features massive, bright blue star clusters. One story goes that a more compact intruder galaxy crossed in front of Arp 188 - from right to left in this view - and was slung around behind the Tadpole by their gravitational attraction. During the close encounter, tidal forces drew out the spiral galaxy's stars, gas, and dust forming the spectacular tail. The intruder galaxy itself, estimated to lie about 300 thousand light-years behind the Tadpole, can be seen through foreground spiral arms at the upper right. Following its terrestrial namesake, the Tadpole Galaxy will likely lose its tail as it grows older, the tail's star clusters forming smaller satellites of the large spiral galaxy.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit: Hubble Legacy Archive, ESA, NASA; Processing : Bill Snyder (Heavens Mirror Observatory)]
LLS
Very impressive! The universe is a very big place.
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Just..WOW!
Thanks..
BoL
Thanks..
BoL
Cool. Thanks for the photos!
Goodness! A galaxy-rich picture, indeed! Anyone who thinks all that just “happened on its own” is not a deep thinker (being polite) (for once).
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