Webb telescope captures stunning collision of galaxies in deep space
The James Webb Space Telescope has photographed the collision between a spiral and an elliptical galaxy, providing detailed data on the Arp 107 system. Thanks to modern technology, astronomers can now more precisely analyze this cosmic event.
11:34 AM EDT, September 20, 2024
The modern James Webb telescope captured the collision between a spiral and an elliptical galaxy, known as Arp 107. According to the Polish Press Agency, this observation was achieved with extraordinary accuracy. Arp 107 is a pair of galaxies located about 450 million light-years from Earth, visible in Leo Minor's constellation.
This system was previously observed by the Spitzer Space Telescope in 2005. However, the observation made by the Webb telescope provides much more detailed information. Astronomers created a composite from images from two cameras operating in the mid- and near-infrared—MIRI and NIRCam. The NIRCam camera excellently showcases the stars within both galaxies and reveals their connection, described as a "translucent, white bridge composed of stars and gas attracted by both galaxies."
Meanwhile, the MIRI camera shows regions where new stars and organic-molecule dust are being formed. This device also revealed the core of the large spiral galaxy, which houses a supermassive black hole. Currently, the system somewhat resembles a "smiling face."
The spiral galaxy belongs to the so-called Seyfert galaxies, characterized by a very bright core. The source of the intense light is most likely matter falling onto the central black hole.
Galaxy collision
Similar to the "Cartwheel Galaxy," these galaxies are interacting. However, in the case of Arp 107, the smaller elliptical galaxy likely collided from the side, limiting the damage to the spiral galaxy by only disturbing its arms.
Galaxy collisions, even if they seem destructive, can yield positive effects. They can compress the gas, improving conditions for the formation of new stars. On the other hand, as Webb's observations show, collisions can also disperse large amounts of gas, potentially depriving new stars of essential material.
The collision and merging process of galaxies in Arp 107 can last hundreds of millions of years. Researchers predict that after this process concludes, the system may lose its current "smile" and transform into a formation equally interesting to future astronomers.
