Interacting galaxy NGC 1532 in Eridanus

by: J.E. Ovaldsen/A.Hornstrup/ IDA/R.Gendler /Novapix
Reference: a-gax15-32001
Date: 2008-11-24

NGC 1532, the large distorted spiral is in the process of cannibalizing the dwarf elliptical NGC 1531. The process takes millions of years. Large galaxies like our Milky Way typically engulf smaller galaxies, incorporating their stars and gas over millions of years into the larger galactic structure. These galaxies are located 70 millions light years away in southern constellation of Eridanus. This image was made at the danish 1.5 meter telescope in La Silla, Chile.

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