Hubble Space Telescope recently captures a stunning image of three galaxies heading for a collision course. Unlike other galactic collisions which are common in the universe, this particular collision is one of a kind as each of the three galaxies is about to give birth to new stars. Hubble observed the constellation Boötes and spotted the trio heading towards becoming a merger.
Astronomers analyzed the data and agree that the collision will definitely occur and merge the three galaxies into one large galaxy. Currently, the galaxies possess spiral structures which will be eliminated due to the gravitational interactions between the three galactic worlds during the collision.
Explaining the fascinating of the three galaxies spiraling toward a collision
Astronomers refer to this image of three galaxies as SDSSCGB 10189. Hubble captured the galactic worlds when they are so close enough to merge. After closely studying the new image, scientists concluded that the shape of the cosmic objects is already changing as strands of gas and dust were seen linking with each other.
As they kept on spiraling toward each other, the trio a great amount of light. The distance between each galaxy is just 50,000 light years. This estimated distance may appear quite too wide for some people. However, when analyzed in cosmic terms, scientists realized that the galaxies are very close to colliding with each other.
Why Hubble Space Telescope Captured the New Image of Three Galaxies Heading towards Collision
Astronomers reveal that the new Hubble image was captured as part of an investigation conducted to study the origins of the largest and most massive galaxies in the cosmos. Astronomers named this investigation Brightest Cluster Galaxies (BCGs). BCGs come into existence when a more massive galaxy consumes smaller galaxies in its path.
BCGs can also form when gas-rich galaxies like these three cosmic objects merge together. Astronomers can study cluster galaxies like this one and improve their knowledge about galactic clusters. Scientists hope that this investigation could enable them to learn more about the evolution of the cosmic web, which is a tangled structure of clumps and filaments of materials created by dark matter. The cosmic web tends to link individual cosmic objects with a galactic cluster.
The concept of BCGs has created a great debate in the science community. Some astronomers believed that massive bright cosmic objects were formed when the universe was just only 19% of its current age. However, others have it that BCGs are still forming and evolving in the current age of the universe.
Many astronomers believe that the collision of SDSSCGB 10189 could give birth to a BCG. With the birth of BCG from this collision, scientists could unlock the mystery of how massive bright galaxies came into existence.
Conclusion
The merger of SDSSCGB 10189 is an important one as it will teach astronomers how BCGs are formed. As we await for this merge to finally happen, we should continue to explore other regions of the Cosmos and see what the universe preserved for mankind. What do you think about BCGs and this trio galactic collision that will soon occur?
