Utilizing its Advanced Camera for Surveys, the Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled a breathtaking spectacle – the collision of two galaxies known as Arp 107. Within this celestial dance, the dominant player, a Seyfert galaxy, radiates energy throughout its entire structure, revealing intricate spiraling patterns. Connecting this colossal Seyfert galaxy to its smaller companion is a tenuous ‘bridge’ composed of dust and gas. The credit for this remarkable image goes to ESA/Hubble & NASA, with J. Dalcanton at the helm.
In the latest capture by Hubble, we are granted a front-row seat to the cosmic drama of Arp 107. This image, a relic from Halton Arp’s 1966 Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, serves both as a scientific treasure trove and a source of public wonderment.
In the spotlight this week is Hubble’s portrait of Arp 107, which was achieved using the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) aboard the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Arp 107 comprises a pair of galaxies locked in a gravitational embrace.
The primary character in this galactic narrative, residing on the left side of the image, is categorized as a Seyfert galaxy. These galaxies are extraordinary in their energy output, featuring an active galactic nucleus at their core. What sets Seyfert galaxies apart is their ability to project radiation from their entire expanse. This is beautifully evident in the image, where the sprawling, intricate patterns of the entire galaxy are distinctly visible.
What serves as the cosmic bridge between the larger and smaller galaxies is a fragile structure woven from dust and gas. Located approximately 465 million light-years from our vantage point on Earth, this celestial performance continues to captivate astronomers.
Arp 107’s place in the cosmic annals is secured within the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, a compendium housing 338 distinct galaxies. This catalog was meticulously compiled in 1966 by the esteemed Halton Arp. Hubble’s recent observation of Arp 107 was part of a specialized program aimed at bridging an observational ‘gap’ by conducting targeted observations of galaxies featured in the Arp catalog.
While this program had a solid scientific foundation, it was also driven by a commitment to public engagement. Its objective was to furnish the public with enthralling images of these extraordinary, somewhat enigmatic galaxies. The initiative has, indeed, delivered a trove of captivating visual data for both enthusiasts and experts. These striking, nebulous entities have become a fertile source for Hubble Pictures of the Week, with several recent releases, including the present one and its predecessors, drawing upon observations from this same program.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Galactic Collision
What is Arp 107, as mentioned in the text?
Arp 107 is a pair of galaxies undergoing a collision. The larger of the two galaxies is classified as a Seyfert galaxy, known for its energetic properties, while the smaller one is its companion. This celestial event was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope using the Advanced Camera for Surveys.
What makes Seyfert galaxies unique?
Seyfert galaxies, like the larger one in Arp 107, are known for their extraordinary energy output. They have an active galactic nucleus at their core, which emits intense radiation. What sets them apart is that this radiation is observable throughout the entire galaxy, making their intricate structures visible.
Who cataloged Arp 107 and what is its significance?
Arp 107 is cataloged within the “Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies,” a compilation of 338 unique galaxies. This catalog was meticulously created by Halton Arp in 1966. The significance lies in its unusual and captivating galaxies, which have drawn the attention of astronomers and the public alike.
What was the purpose of the program mentioned in the text?
The program mentioned in the text aimed to bridge an observational ‘gap’ by conducting targeted observations of galaxies listed in the Arp catalog. While it had a scientific foundation, it also had a commitment to public engagement, providing captivating images of these remarkable galaxies for both enthusiasts and professionals to enjoy.
How far away is Arp 107 from Earth?
Arp 107 is located at an approximate distance of 465 million light-years from our planet, making it a distant and intriguing cosmic spectacle.
More about Galactic Collision
- Hubble Space Telescope
- Seyfert Galaxy
- Halton Arp
- Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies
- Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS)
2 comments
Arp 107, part of Arp’s catalog. Intrestin program bridgin gaps, public n science, both happy!
Halton Arp’s legacy, Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, so much to explore! Hubble, keep those pics coming!