A Galaxy Collision at 3.2 Million km/h

Astronomers have observed a massive galaxy collision in remarkable detail, triggered by a galaxy traveling at 2 million mph (3.2 million km/h), using one of Earth’s most powerful telescopes.

The dramatic event occurred in Stephan’s Quintet, a galaxy group discovered nearly 150 years ago, and sparked a shockwave resembling a “sonic boom from a jet fighter.” This shock was triggered by NGC 7318b, a galaxy moving through the group, reigniting the debris from past galaxy collisions.

Astronomers Uncover Cosmic Collision with Advanced Tools

The team of over 60 astronomers used the William Herschel Telescope’s WEAVE spectrograph in La Palma, Spain, to uncover the collision. WEAVE’s advanced capabilities, along with data from the James Webb Space Telescope and radio instruments like LOFAR, revealed key insights into the shock’s behavior.

The team found that the shockwave moves through cold gas at hypersonic speeds, stripping electrons from atoms and leaving behind glowing charged gas. In contrast, when the shock passes through hot gas, it weakens, compressing the gas and emitting detectable radio waves.

A Gateway to Galactic Discovery

Stephan’s Quintet remains an ideal laboratory for studying galaxy collisions. WEAVE’s first observations have provided unprecedented details, helping astronomers gain new understanding of galactic dynamics.

This marks just the beginning of what WEAVE’s full operation will reveal over the next five years, promising to revolutionize our understanding of galaxy formation and the universe.

Read Original Article: ScienceDaily

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