Colliding galaxies
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Colliding galaxies
Colliding galaxies. Supercomputer simulation showing the gas content of two colliding spiral galaxies. Temperature is represented by colour, blue (coolest) to red (hottest). Brightness represents density. Two galaxies approach and merge (top pair), then separate (second pair), before merging into a large elliptical galaxy (bottom). During the merger, gravity drives gas into the centre, causing a burst of new star formation. The incoming gas also feeds a supermassive black hole which is thought to power a quasar. The black hole increases in mass until it releases enough energy to heat the gas and expel it into space. As the new galaxy is gas- poor, little new star formation occurs. Simulation created in 2005 at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Germany
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6443725
© TIZIANA DI MATTEO/VOLKER SPRINGEL/LARS HERNQUIST/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Astrophysical Astrophysics Black Hole Colliding Cosmological Cosmology Galactic Galaxy Galaxy Formation Max Planck Institute Merging Quasar Supercomputer Simulation Supermassive Black Hole Computer Artwork Physical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing phenomenon of colliding galaxies. Created through a supercomputer simulation at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, it vividly portrays two spiral galaxies on a collision course. The gas content within these galaxies is represented by color, with blue indicating cooler temperatures and red representing hotter regions. Density is depicted through brightness. As the two galaxies approach each other, they eventually merge before separating once again. However, their cosmic dance doesn't end there; they ultimately combine to form an expansive elliptical galaxy at the bottom of the image. During this merger process, gravity plays a pivotal role in driving gas towards the center, triggering an eruption of new star formation. Interestingly, this influx of gas also nourishes a supermassive black hole lurking within one of the merging galaxies. This colossal entity powers what is known as a quasar—a celestial object emitting immense amounts of energy. As time progresses, this black hole grows in mass until it releases enough energy to heat up and expel surrounding gas into space. The resulting galaxy from this collision becomes relatively depleted in gas compared to its earlier state, leading to diminished levels of new star formation. This awe-inspiring simulation not only sheds light on galactic dynamics but also highlights how intricate processes like these shape our vast universe.
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