Credit: NAOJ; Image provided by Masayuki Tanaka
Detail: Low Res. (139 KB) / Mid. Res. (785 KB) / High Res. (1.64 MB)
The Universe captured by Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC), the ultra-wide field of view camera, is truly magnificent. In this image, two spiral galaxies in the lower right immediately catch the eye: NGC 7537 (right) and NGC 7541 (left). This galactic pair, located in the direction of Pisces, appears to be separated by about 160,000 light-years in the sky.
Even in the vastness of the Universe, galaxies occasionally encounter one another. While both galaxies currently maintain well-defined shapes, they are expected to become increasingly distorted as they draw closer by their mutual gravitational pull. Eventually, in the not-too-distant future, they are likely to merge into a single, larger galaxy.
Even in the vastness of the Universe, galaxies occasionally encounter one another. While both galaxies currently maintain well-defined shapes, they are expected to become increasingly distorted as they draw closer by their mutual gravitational pull. Eventually, in the not-too-distant future, they are likely to merge into a single, larger galaxy.
Distance from Earth: 100 million light-years
Instrument: Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC)
Source: Subaru Telescope/Press Release
