GALAXIES A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site tidal tail The Mice (NGC4676). Credit: NASA, H. Ford (JHU), G. Illingworth (UCSC/LO), M.Clampin (STScI), G. Hartig (STScI), the ACS Science Team, and ESA A tail-like structure of stars that has been flung out behind a galaxy when it merges with another system (see galaxy merger). Tidal tails are produced when the galaxies fall into each other's gravitational potential wells and may persist long after the merger has taken place. The Tadpole Galaxy displays an extraordinarily long tidal tail. Other well known systems showing pronounced tidal tails are The Antennae and The Mice. Related category    • GALAXIES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP