NGC 4038 and NGC 4039, collectively known as the Antennae Galaxies, are a pair of colliding spiral galaxies located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Corvus. These galaxies are named for their long, antenna-like tidal tails of stars and gas, formed by the gravitational forces of their interaction. This cosmic collision has been ongoing for hundreds of millions of years, resulting in spectacular formations and triggering intense regions of star formation.

The Antennae Galaxies provide a vivid snapshot of galactic evolution and the processes that occur when galaxies merge. The collision has compressed vast clouds of gas and dust, leading to the birth of new stars and massive star clusters, some of which are among the brightest and most massive known. Observations in various wavelengths, from visible light to X-rays, reveal the complex structure and dynamic activity within these interacting galaxies, offering valuable insights into the life cycles of galaxies and the role of cosmic collisions in shaping the universe.

LRGB  120 60 60 60

ASA RC600  with f4.5 Reducer

ASA DDM200 Mount

MORAVIAN C3 61000  Camera

Copyright: Wolfgang Promper