Hubble Telescope Images Reveal Cosmic Dance of Arp 91
The European Space Agency (ESA) has released new breathtaking images of the merging galaxy system Arp 91. The system, first discovered in 1794 by German-British astronomer William Herschel, is located in the constellation Serpens, a staggering 100 million light-years away from Earth.
Arp 91 consists of two galaxies, NGC 5953 and NGC 5954. "In this image, NGC 5953 is the rounder galaxy, while 5954 has an egg-like shape," stated the Hubble Space Telescope team at ESA. "In reality, they are both spiral galaxies but their very different appearances are due to their viewing angle from Earth."
These spectacular images were created from data gathered by the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on the Victor M. Blanco Telescope, and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) in New Mexico.
A Cosmic Collision Unveils Galaxy Evolution
Arp 91 vividly illustrates the dynamic interactions of galaxies within the universe. NGC 5954 is visibly being drawn towards NGC 5953, forming a long tidal tail extending downwards. These gravitational interactions play a crucial role in the evolution of galaxies.
Current scientific consensus suggests that collisions between two spiral galaxies lead to the formation of a different type of galaxy known as an elliptical galaxy. Arp 91 is no exception.
While the collision offers a glimpse into galaxy evolution, observers shouldn't expect drastic changes in Arp 91 within a human lifetime. These monumental events unfold over hundreds of millions of years.
Summary
ESA’s Hubble Telescope has captured mesmerizing images of Arp 91, a merging galaxy system located 100 million light-years away. The images showcase the intricate interaction of NGC 5953 and NGC 5954, with one galaxy being drawn towards the other, forming a long tidal tail. Arp 91 serves as a captivating example of galaxy evolution, offering a glimpse into the cosmic dance that shapes the universe. While the collision unfolds over vast timescales, it provides valuable insights into the forces that govern the dynamics of galaxies.