MICE GALAXIES

'NGC 4676' (''the Mice Galaxies'') are two spiral galaxies in the constellation Coma Berenices. About 300 million light-years away, they are presently in the process of colliding and merging. Their name refers to the long tails produced by tidal action — the relative difference between gravitational pulls on the near and far parts of each galaxy — known here as a galactic tide. Members of the Coma cluster, it is a possibility that both galaxies have experienced collision, and will continue colliding until they coalesce. The colors of the galaxy are peculiar. In the upper galaxy, a core with some dark markings is surrounded by a bluish white remnant of spiral arms. The tail is unusual, starting out blue and terminating in a more yellowish color, despite the fact that the beginning of each arm in vitually every spiral galaxy starts yellow and terminates in a bluish color. The lower galaxy is closer to normal, with a yellowish core and two arcs; arm remnants underneath are bluish as well.

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References

See also

★ Antennae Galaxies

★ Colliding Galaxies NGC 7318

External links

★ 'APOD': When Mice Collide (6/12/04)

★ 'astrographics.com': Mice Galaxies

★ The Mice Galaxies

★ 'WIKISKY.ORG': SDSS image, Mice Galaxies

References