NOIRLab noirlab2308: ‘Taffy Galaxies’ Collide, Leave Behind Bridge of Star-Forming Material — Gemini North captures sprawling aftermath of head-on collision between a pair of galaxies. The Gemini North telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory, operated by NSF’s NOIRLab, captured this dazzling image of UGC 12914 and UGC 12915, which are nicknamed the Taffy Galaxies. Their twisted shape is the result of a head-on ...

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‘Taffy Galaxies’ Collide, Leave Behind Bridge of Star-Forming Material
29 March 2023 — NOIRLab Photo Release noirlab2308

The Gemini North telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory, operated by NSF’s NOIRLab, captured this dazzling image of UGC 12914 and UGC 12915, which are nicknamed the Taffy Galaxies. Their twisted shape is the result of a head-on collision that occurred about 25 million years prior to their appearance in this image. A bridge of highly turbulent gas devoid of significant star formation spans the gap between the two galaxies.

The release, images and videos are available on:
https://noirlab.edu/public/news/noirlab2308/

Kind regards,
NOIRLab Communications, Education & Engagement
29 March 2023




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