A cosmic dance that will last for tens of millions of years

The galaxy NGC 5427 takes centre stage in this latest NASA Hubble Space Telescope image, with its companion galaxy NGC 5426 lying below and outside the frame. Together called Arp 271, the galaxy pair was discovered by British astronomer William Herschel in 1785.

The pair is locked in a cosmic interaction that is expected to last for tens of millions of years. It is still uncertain where the duo will collide or merge ultimately, but their mutual gravitational attraction has already given birth to many new stars, visible in the faint bridge connecting the two galaxies, located at the bottom of the image.

Cosmic bridges such as the one in question provide an avenue for the two galaxies to continue sharing the gas and dust that become new stars.

Scientists believe Arp 271 can serve as a blueprint for understanding future galactic interactions, particularly the merger between our Milky Way Galaxy and our neighbouring galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy, which is expected to happen in about 4 billion years.

The main galaxy seen above is part of a pair known as Arp 271. Its companion is just out of frame, but this image shows a great example of how #CosmicCollisions impact interacting galaxies.Discover more about Arp 271: https://t.co/Y8g1N9ry84 pic.twitter.com/UFH02GNiuS

— Hubble (@NASAHubble) January 31, 2024