When Galaxies Collide

views updated

WHEN GALAXIES COLLIDE

Collisions between galaxies can form spectacular distortions and bursts of star formation. Sometimes bridges of gas and stars get pulled out between two galaxies. In head-on collisions, one galaxy can penetrate another and form a ring. Interactions can create bars in galaxy centers and initiate spiral waves that make grand design structure. Close encounters can also strip gas from disks, which then streams through the cluster and interacts with other gas to make X rays.

More From encyclopedia.com