Hickson Compact Group 40 . ... Credit Copyright: CISCO , Subaru 8.3-m Telescope , NAOJ Explanation: Galaxies , like stars, frequently form groups. ... Pictured above is nearby compact group Hickson 40. ... Of the five prominent galaxies in Hickson 40, three are spirals , one is an elliptical and one is a lenticular . Many galaxies in compact groups are either slowly merging or gravitationally pulling each other apart. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...