International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA
Image Processing: M. Rodriguez (NSF NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab), J. Miller (Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab) & D. de Martin (NSF NOIRLab)
Acknowledgment: PI: A. S. Castelli (Universidad Nacional de la Plata)
‘Taffy Galaxies’ Collide, Leave Behind Bridge of Star-Forming Material
The Gemini North telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory, operated by NSF NOIRLab, captured this dazzling image of the so-called Taffy Galaxies — UGC 12914 and UGC 12915. Their twisted appearance is the result of a head-on collision that occurred about 25 million years prior to their appearance in this image. A bridge of highly turbulent gas devoid of significant star formation spans the gap between the two galaxies.
