Cartwheel galaxy
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Cartwheel galaxy
Cartwheel galaxy. Optical image of the Cartwheel galaxy (centre) and its companions (lower right). The ring shape of the Cartwheel is due to a collision with one of the smaller galaxies. As the smaller galaxy passed through the Cartwheel, it caused a shock wave to spread outwards in a similar fashion to ripples on a pool of water. The shock wave led to a burst of star formation in the galaxy as it spread outward, leading to the bright ring seen here. Before the collision, the Cartwheel was probably a normal spiral galaxy. The ring is some 150, 000 light years in diameter. This galaxy lies around 500 million light years from Earth in the constellation Sculptor
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6426827
© CELESTIAL IMAGE CO./SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Cosmology Galactic Galaxy Interacting Galaxy Cart Wheel
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Cartwheel galaxy, a celestial wonder located approximately 500 million light years away in the constellation Sculptor. At first glance, one is immediately drawn to its striking ring shape, which tells an extraordinary tale of cosmic collision. The Cartwheel galaxy's unique form is a result of an intense encounter with one of its smaller neighboring galaxies. As this galactic intruder passed through the Cartwheel, it unleashed a powerful shock wave that rippled outward like waves on a tranquil pool. This awe-inspiring phenomenon triggered a burst of star formation within the galaxy as it expanded across space, giving rise to the luminous ring we witness today. Prior to this cataclysmic event, the Cartwheel was likely just another ordinary spiral galaxy peacefully traversing our vast universe. However, fate had different plans for this celestial entity as it became entangled in an intergalactic dance that forever altered its appearance and destiny. Spanning an astonishing diameter of approximately 150,000 light years, this resplendent ring serves as a testament to both the violent forces at play in our cosmos and nature's ability to create breathtaking works of art even amidst chaos. As we gaze upon this photograph from Science Photo Library, we are reminded once again of how small we are in comparison to the grandeur and mystery that exists beyond our own planet Earth.
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