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Astrophotographer Greg Meyer looked at the sky near the Corvus constellation, aiming to capture the Antennae Galaxies. These two massive galaxies were once perfect spiral shapes, but over time, they crashed into each other. Now, they are merging into a single large elliptical galaxy. This picture captures a fleeting moment in a long struggle; the collision has been ongoing for hundreds of millions of years. Gravity exerts a powerful pull on both galaxies simultaneously, tearing apart stars and gas clouds and forever altering the shape of these star systems.
Meyer told Space.com about his specialized plan. He used a Sky-Watcher Esprit 120 telescope with an 840mm focal length. This focal length is shorter than what most astronomers use for deep-sky imaging. Because of this, he had to be very selective. He looked for galaxies that his specific gear could resolve clearly, checking a website called Astrobin to see photos taken with the same telescope. His goal was to find a subject his equipment could handle well. He chose these galaxies because they are visually striking and have a compelling story. Knowing that observing two interacting galaxies was a rare opportunity, he decided to attempt the photograph despite the technical challenges.
Meyer's photo reveals the bright orange-yellow cores of the dueling galaxies. These centers glow intensely amidst a mixture of dust, gas, and stars. From this chaotic heart, two sweeping structures reach out into the darkness. These are known as tidal tails—stretched spiral arms that extend for light-years on either side. The long arms resemble the sensory organs of insects, which is why astronomers call them the Antennae Galaxies. The image shows the tails stretching far into space, illuminated by the brilliant light of newborn stars.
This cosmic struggle has triggered a massive burst of star formation. As the galaxies pull on each other, clouds of gas are compressed, forcing new stars to appear at a rapid rate. NASA explains that this creates super star clusters. These huge groups of stars sit within the antenna-like arms, forming large concentrations of light that dominate the view. However, this explosion of life is temporary. About 90% of these giant clusters will likely break apart as the merger continues; gravity will eventually shake the stars loose. Some clusters will dissolve into the general galactic body, while others will survive as globular clusters, traveling with the new merged galaxy. The image captures the moment just before these clusters begin to fade.
Meyer spent just under 21 hours observing to collect light. He did not take this photo in a single night; instead, he gathered data over many sessions, waiting for clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions. He used specialized astronomy filters to capture different colors, helping him isolate elements like hydrogen and sulfur that emit light at specific wavelengths. The dark sky over the Starfront Observatory in Rockwood, Texas, provided the background. Located far from city lights, the observatory minimizes light pollution, ensuring clearer views of deep space.