galaxy interaction
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Grazing encounter between the spiral
galaxies NGC 2207 and IC2163 |
An encounter between two (or more) galaxies that is close enough for the
mutual gravitational attraction to alter the appearance and, in some cases,
the composition, of one or both systems. Classic examples include NGC 5195,
the little, tidally distorted companion of the Whirlpool
Galaxy, and the Antennae. Extreme cases
of interaction result in galaxy mergers
or galaxy cannibalism.
Archived news
From galaxy collisions
to star birth: ISO finds the missing link (Mar 29, 2005)
Related category
GALAXIES
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