NGC 4038 and 4039 – The Antennae Galaxies
Sketch by Eiji Kato
This colliding pair of galaxies lies about 65 million light years away in the constellation Corvus. They are named after the long tidal tails that were strewn out some 200 to 300 million years ago when the galaxies first began interacting. As the collision proceeds, billions of new stars will eventually be formed. This fascinating merger gives us a preview of what may happen when the Milky Way and Andromeda Galaxies collide in the distant future.
Sources: HubbleSite News Center, NOAO
Mr. Kato,
Great sketch, much attention to details.
Frank