Space: Image of the Day #42

[Robert Bruce]

Image of the Day

This is what happens when galaxies collide



Arp 148 is the staggering aftermath of an encounter between two galaxies, resulting in a ring-shaped galaxy and a long-tailed companion. The collision between the two parent galaxies produced a shockwave effect that first drew matter into the center and then caused it to propagate outwards in a ring.

Awesome!

Courtesy of NASA