Astronomers have observed a rare and intense cosmic event as two galaxies collide head-on, with speeds of over 1.8 million km/h. This phenomenon has been happening for almost four years, giving scientists the unique opportunity to study its effects.
The galaxies in question are approximately 11 billion light-years away from Earth and are slowly merging into one massive galaxy. Researchers have termed this event a “cosmic joust,” where powerful radiation from one galaxy is being used as a sort of “weapon” against the other, pushing away gas clouds and preventing new stars from forming.
Using Very Large Telescopes, scientists discovered that a bright core in one galaxy – known as a quasar – is causing significant damage to nearby star-forming regions. The quasar’s strong radiation has been detected for the first time, with estimates suggesting it’s approximately 1,000 times more powerful than the radiation emitted by our own Milky Way galaxy.
As a result of this radiation, gas clouds that are essential for creating new stars are being broken apart and unable to form. Instead, material from the second galaxy is feeding the quasar, increasing its energy output. This phenomenon provides scientists with valuable insights into how galaxies evolved in the early universe and how they interacted with each other.
This discovery adds to our understanding of cosmic events like galactic collisions, allowing researchers to refine their theories on galaxy formation and evolution. The event serves as a reminder that even in the vast expanse of space, complex interactions between celestial bodies can have profound effects on the surrounding environment.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/science/news/astronomers-witness-something-spectacular-in-space-galaxies-are-at-war-attacking-each-other-at-1-8-million-km-per-hour-11748089347900.html