The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has produced a spectacular image of a group of interacting galaxies known as LEDA 60847.
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This Hubble image shows LEDA 60847, a group of interacting galaxies located in the constellation of Draco. Image credit: NASA / ESA / A. Barth, University of California – Irvine / M. Koss, Eureka Scientific Inc. / A. Robinson, Rochester Institute of Technology / Gladys Kober, NASA & Catholic University of America.
“Galaxy mergers are relatively common occurrences,” the Hubble astronomers said.
“Most larger galaxies are the result of smaller galaxies merging.”
“The Milky Way Galaxy itself contains traces of other galaxies, indicating it is the product of past mergers.”
“Astronomers believe somewhere between 5% and 25% of all galaxies are currently merging.”
The researchers used Hubble to observe an interacting galaxy system called LEDA 60847.
Otherwise known as RBS 1661, Ka 163 or 2MASX J17465994+6836392, the system is located in the constellation of Draco.
“LEDA 60847 is classified as an active galactic nucleus (AGN),” the scientists noted.
“An AGN has a supermassive black hole in the galaxy’s central region that is accreting material.”
“The AGN emits radiation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum and shines extremely brightly.”
“By studying powerful AGNs that are relatively nearby, astronomers can better understand how supermassive black holes grow and affect galaxies.”
The color image of LEDA 60847 combines ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared data from Hubble.
Several filters were used to sample various wavelengths. The color results from assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter.
“The ability to see across all those wavelengths is one of the things that makes Hubble unique,” the astronomers explained.
“Different types of light across the electromagnetic spectrum tell astronomers different things about our Universe.”
“Ultraviolet light traces the glow of stellar nurseries and is used to identify the hottest stars.”
“Visible light shows us moderate-temperature stars and material, and also how the view would appear to our own eyes.”
“Last but not least, near-infrared light can penetrate cold dust, allowing us to study warm gas and dust, and relatively cool stars.”
