images

NGC 4038-39, the interacting galaxies of the Antennae

by

A.Block/MLSC/Univ.of Az/Novapix

Reference

a-gax40-38011

Date

2011-06-15

NGC 4038 and 4039 are the well-known pair of interacting galaxies that show two broadly curved tails of stars, the 'antennae', extending a considerable distance from the action, as seen here. The colour picture reveals the burst of star formation triggered by the encounter, the large numbers of pink emission nebulae in the inter-galaxy region and the location of the numerous dark, brownish-yellow clouds of dust.