The Hubble Space Telescope doesn't just take pretty pictures; it also helps researchers better understand what they're seeing in the far reaches of space.
Take this newly shared image of UGC 2369, a designation that actually applies to two different galaxies that are slowly, inexorably merging into one. This phenomenon of interacting galaxies comes into play when their gravitational fields overlap and attract.
You can see the connection between the two galaxies making up UGC 2369 in what NASA describes as a "bridge of gas, dust and stars" set between them. It's hard to miss, that curvy, orange-tinged region of space forming what looks at this great distance like a tenuous connection. Read more...
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