April 19, 2024

Hubble Captures Spectacular Interacting Galaxies

Hubble Space Telescope image of a part of interacting galaxies known as Arp-Madore 608-333. Credit: ESA/Hubble & & NASA, Dark Energy Survey/DOE/FNAL/ DECam/CTIO/NOIRLab/ NSF/AURA, J. Dalcanton
The two spectacular connecting galaxies making up the set called Arp-Madore 608-333 seem to float side by side in this sensational image from the Hubble Space Telescope. Although they appear tranquil and undisturbed in this image, the two are discreetly warping one another through a shared gravitational interaction that is distorting and disrupting both galaxies. This dragged out galactic interaction was recorded by Hubbles Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS).
The interacting galaxies in Arp-Madore 608-333 were observed as part of an effort by astronomers to compile an archive of fascinating targets for more in-depth future research study with Hubble, ground-based telescopes, and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. Scientist searched existing huge brochures for a list of targets spread throughout the night sky to construct up this archive. By so doing, they wished to include cosmic items that had actually currently been identified as interesting which would be easy for Hubble to observe no matter which instructions it was pointing.
It is a drawn-out, competitive and challenging process to decide how to award NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope observing time, which is designated so regarding utilize every last second of Hubble time offered. There is a consistent but little fraction of time– roughly 2– 3%– that goes unused as Hubble turns to point at brand-new targets. Photo programs, such as the one which caught Arp-Madore 608-333, exist to take and fill this space benefit of any offered minutes between longer observations. As well as creating captivating images such as this, these picture programs enable researchers to collect as much astronomical data as possible with Hubble.

By ESA/Hubble
October 3, 2022