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NGC 4038-39, the interacting galaxies of the Antennae

by

Jim Misti/Novapix

Reference

a-gax40-38007

Date

2007-04-28

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. Massive star formations are resulting of a recent collision between two galaxies (100 million years ago). This galaxy is located 45 million light year from us.