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Interacting Galaxies

Antennae Galaxies

As each slider bar is manipulated, the view transitions from visible light to infrared light. In visible light: These two galaxies have been merging for 800 million years. In infrared light: The addition of infrared highlights dusty regions where stars are forming. As each slider bar is manipulated, the view transitions from visible light to infrared light. In visible light: These two galaxies have been merging for 800 million years. In infrared light: The addition of infrared highlights dusty regions where stars are forming.
Visible: Default View
Infrared:
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Antennae Galaxies

The galaxies NGC 4038 and 4039, also called the Antennae Galaxies, show an intermediate stage of a galactic merger. These two distinct galaxies are well on their way to becoming a single object. The areas of bursting star formation stand out clearly once infrared light is added to the picture. The reservoirs of gas and dust in the two galaxies are mixing and producing young stars at incredible rates.
Visible: These two galaxies have been merging for 800 million years.
Infrared: The addition of infrared highlights dusty regions where stars are forming.
CREDITS: Visible: M. Rushing/NOAO. Infrared: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Z. Wang (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA).