The Exquisite Tilt Of A Spiral Galaxy

The Exquisite Tilt Of A Spiral Galaxy
March 4, 2012
by Adam Frank

The Warp in this Spiral Galaxy was probably the result of a cosmic collision with another galaxy.

A galaxy is a collection of billions of stars (gas and dust and lots of Dark Matter) held together by their mutual gravity. The exquisite warp seen here is likely caused by interactions with other galaxies. Collisions or "harassment" between galaxies is quite common and may be the most important process shaping galactic evolution.

A galaxy is a collection of billions of stars (gas and dust and lots of Dark Matter) held together by their mutual gravity. The exquisite warp seen here is likely caused by interactions with other galaxies. Collisions or "harassment" between galaxies is quite common and may be the most important process shaping galactic evolution.

This lovely image of the spiral galaxy ESO 510-13 was featured on Friday's Astronomy Picture of the Day.

PHOTO:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/