Two galaxies collide in this majestic Hubble image
NASA calls NGC 1614 a "peculiar galaxy."
The brilliant cosmic object is the result of two merging galaxies. There are a number of wild things happening in this Hubble image, posted on Friday by NASA.
To the right upper right is a "tidal tail," which forms when stars and gas are "stripped" from the outside arms of galaxies during a merger, according to Cosmos.
There's a "burst" of radiant star formation in the center of the merger, notes NASA, as gases from the smaller galaxy stream into the larger galaxy.
The merged galaxy lies some 200 million light-years from our planet. But it's a conspicuous sight, via a powerful telescope.
The galaxy's chaotic history lends to its profound luminosity. It's the second brightest galaxy within 250 million light-years of Earth, said NASA.
Mark was the science editor at Mashable. After working as a ranger with the National Park Service, he started a reporting career after seeing the extraordinary value in educating people about the happenings on Earth, and beyond.
He's descended 2,500 feet into the ocean depths in search of the sixgill shark, ventured into the halls of top R&D laboratories, and interviewed some of the most fascinating scientists in the world.
