NGC 4038-39, the interacting galaxies of the Antennae
author: R.Gendler/Nasa/Esa/ Eso/Novapix
reference: a-gax40-38009
Image Size 300 DPI: 25 * 15 cm
NGC 4038 and 4039 are the well-known pair of interacting galaxies that show two broadly curved tails of stars, the 'antennae', extending a considerable distance from the action. Massive star formations are resulting of a recent collision between two galaxies (100 million years ago). This galaxy is located 45 million light year from us. At left, an image taken from the ground, at right, an image taken by the Hubble space telescope showing young blue stars and several galaxies in background.