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SPACE-GALAXIES-GALACTIC TWINS
This July 2, 2013 handout image shows a view of the galaxy pair MRK 1034 in the constellation of Triangulum (The Triangle). The two very similar galaxies, named PGC 9074 and PGC 9071, are close enough to one another to be bound together by gravity, although no gravitational disturbance can yet be seen in the image. These objects are probably only just beginning to interact gravitationally. Both are spiral galaxies, and are presented to our eyes face-on, so we are able to appreciate their distinctive shapes. On the left of the image, spiral galaxy PGC 9074 shows a bright bulge and two spiral arms tightly wound around the nucleus, features which have led scientists to classify it as a type Sa galaxy. Close by, PGC 9071 — a type Sb galaxy — although very similar and almost the same size as its neighbour, has a fainter bulge and a slightly different structure to its arms: their coils are further apart. Gradually, these two neighbours will attract each other, the process of star formation will be increased and tidal forces will throw out long tails of stars and gas. Eventually, after maybe hundreds of millions of years, the structures of the interacting galaxies will merge together into a new, larger galaxy. AFP PHOTO / HO / ESA / HUBBLE / NASA
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Detalii fotografie |
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-, SPACE |
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AFP / Mediafax Foto |
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| Fotograf: |
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HO |
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2 Iulie 2013 |
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3606 x 4548 (1.13 MB) |
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