NGC 2207 “Tied up like a knot”

NGC 2207 and IC 2163 are shown here in a near collision. Located approximately 80 million light years away from Earth the powerful tidal forces from NGC 2207 have caused major distortions in the shape of IC 2163 the smaller galaxy on the right.

The interaction has caused streams of stars and gas to extend as far as 100 thousand light years from IC 2163.

The near collision is estimated to have taken place around 40 million years ago and given the gravitational influence of NGC 2207 it is very likely the IC 2163 will be pulled back for another round and in a billion or so years the galaxies will merge. The tidal streams seen in the image will over time likely  become star forming regions.

Taken in El Sauce, Chile

Image Processing: Mark Hanson

Data and Calibration: Mike Selby

Enjoy, Mark Hanson