Ring Galaxy AM 0644 741
Explanation:
The rim of the large blue galaxy at the right
is an immense ring-like structure 150,000
light years
in diameter composed of newly formed, extremely bright, massive stars.
AM 0644-741
is known as a
ring galaxy and was caused by an
immense galaxy collision.
When
galaxies collide,
they pass through each other and their individual stars
rarely come into contact.
The large galaxy's ring-like shape is the result of the
gravitational disruption
caused by a small intruder galaxy passing through it.
When this happens, interstellar gas and dust become compressed, causing a
wave of star formation
to move out from the impact point like a
ripple across the surface of a pond.
Other galaxies in the field of view are background galaxies, not
interacting with AM 0644-741.
Foreground spiky stars are within our own Milky Way.
But the smaller intruder galaxy is caught
above and right, near the top of the frame taken by the
Hubble
Space Telescope.
Ring galaxy AM 0644-741 lies about 300
million light years away
toward
the southern constellation Volans.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
