Astronomers using the 570-megapixel Dark Energy Camera (DECam) at NSF/NOIRLab Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory have captured a stunning photo of the massive barred spiral galaxy NGC 1532 and its smaller neighbor, the dwarf galaxy NGC 1531.
NGC 1532 and NGC 1531 are located about 55 million light-years away in the southern constellation of Eridanus.
Also known as Haley’s Coronet and LEDA 14638, NGC 1532 was discovered by the Scottish astronomer James Dunlop on October 29, 1826.
NGC 1531 was first spotted by the English astronomer John Herschel on October 19, 1835.
“Galaxies grow and evolve over billions of years by absorbing nearby companions and merging with other galaxies,” NOIRLab astronomers said in a statement.
“The early stages of this galactic growth process are showcased in a new image taken with DECam.”
“NGC 1532’s sweeping spiral arms are seen edge-on from Earth, with the nearer arm dipping downward and the receding arm lurching upward as it tugs upon its smaller, dwarf companion galaxy NGC 1531,” they added.
“These gravitationally bound galaxies will eventually become one, as NGC 1532 completely consumes its smaller companion.”
“Despite its small stature, however, NGC 1531 has also been exerting a noticeable gravitational influence on its larger companion, distorting one of its spiral arms, which can be seen rising above the galactic plane.”
“Additionally, plumes of gas and dust can be seen between the two galaxies, like a bridge of stellar matter held in place by the competing tidal forces.”
“This interaction has also triggered bursts of star formation within both galaxies.”
“This lopsided cosmic tug of war is a snapshot of how large galaxies grow and evolve by devouring smaller galaxies, absorbing their stars and star-forming material.”
“A similar process has happened in the Milky Way, possibly six times in the past, leaving vast streams of stars and other signs in the halo of our Galaxy.”
The…
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