@astro.lust

In this captivating Hubble image, an interacting galaxy pair known as Arp 282 is experiencing tidal interaction, which occurs when an object's gravity causes another object to stretch or distort. In the case of Arp 282, you can see tidal forces in action as a delicate stream of matter that visibly links the two galaxies. It's not uncommon for galaxies to merge, collide, or brush past one another, but it is a rarity for such a visible and dynamic interaction to be captured. Interestingly enough, if the full emissions of the energetic cores of both galaxies – known as active galactic nuclei – were visible in this image, the brilliance emitted would distract from the beautifully detailed tidal interactions in this image. Image credits: ESA/Hubble & NASA #astronomer #astronomy #space #science #universe #nasa #cosmos #astrophysics #galaxy #cosmology #astrophotography #photography #hubble #moon #hubbletelescope #astronaut #astronomyphotography #deepspace #spacex #telescope #nightsky #nebula #constellation #deepsky #spacetime #astronomia #spacetravel #milkyway #stars #interstellar