A stunning image of the interacting galaxies NGC 5216 and NGC 5218 in Ursa Major. Connected by a 22,000 light-year-long stream of gas, dust, and stars, these galaxies are locked in a gravitational dance that will ultimately lead to their merger. The image showcases the distorted shapes of the galaxies and the impressive bridge of cosmic debris between them.

Astronomy Picture from 02/07/2010

Galaxies on a String

Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap100702.html


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