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Interacting Galaxies

When galaxies collide, they take on fantastic distorted shapes. Often this can result in unusual bursts of star formation. Infrared light can help astronomers study how gas and dust are affected by the interactions, and help them locate the starbursts.

  • The Whirlpool Galaxy is a spiral interacting with a small companion
    Ssc2004-19a2
    The Whirlpool Galaxy is a spiral interacting with a small companion
    Ssc2004-19a1
    • Ssc2004-19a1
      Visible
    • Ssc2004-19a2
      Infrared
  • The merging galaxies are furiously forming stars inside a dark cocoon of dust
    Sig10-023a
    The merging galaxies are furiously forming stars inside a dark cocoon of dust
    Sig10-023b.tif
    • Sig10-023b.tif
      Visible
    • Sig10-023a
      Visible+Infrared
  • These two galaxies have been merging for 800 million years
    Ssc2004-14a2.tif
    These two galaxies have been merging for 800 million years
    Ssc2004-14a1.tif
    These two galaxies have been merging for 800 million years
    Ssc2004-14a3.tif
    • Ssc2004-14a3.tif
      Visible
    • Ssc2004-14a1.tif
      Visible+Infrared
    • Ssc2004-14a2.tif
      Infrared

  • Ssc2004-19a1
  • Sig10-023b.tif
  • Ssc2004-14a3.tif
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Cool Cosmos is an IPAC website. Based on Government Sponsored Research NAS7-03001 and NNN12AA01C.