The Antennae Galaxies (also known as NGC 4038/NGC 4039 or Caldwell 60/Caldwell 61)

These are a pair of interacting galaxies in the constellation Corvus. They are around 45 million light-years away.

The Antennae Galaxies are undergoing a galactic collision. These two galaxies are known as the Antennae Galaxies because the Streams of stars and dust, resembling insect antennae, being ejected from both galaxies. They are currently undergoing a starburst phase, in which the collision of clouds of gas and dust, with entangled magnetic fields, causes rapid star formation.

The center of the two galaxies will eventually form one giant galaxy. Many galaxies undergo at least one significant collision in their lifetimes. This is likely the future of our Milky Way when it collides with the Andromeda Galaxy.

The Antennae galaxies also contain a relatively young collection of massive globular clusters that were likely formed due to the collision between the two galaxies. The young age of these clusters is in contrast to the average age of most known globular clusters (which are around 12 billion years old), with the formation of the globulars likely originating from shockwaves, generated by the collision of the galaxies, compressing large, massive molecular clouds. The densest regions of the collapsing and compressing clouds are believed to be the birthplace of the clusters.

Image Processing: Mark Hanson

Data: Martin Pugh

Enjoy, Mark Hanson

Image from CDK 1000 Below

NGC 4038 and 4039 are a pair of interacting galaxies located 75 million light years from here in Corvus. They are  often referred to as The Antennae Galaxies. The signature antennae consist of luminous matter formed by gravitational tidal forces between the two galaxies. The result of strong interaction has also been to trigger areas of very active star formation.

This image is one of the highest resolution images of it from earth by amateur astronomers. The core of this Galaxy is a must see in full resolution.

Image Processing: Mark Hanson and Mike Selby

Enjoy,

Mike & Mark

Make sure to look at the crop below, its quite astonishing