Stunning image of spiral galaxy NGC 4651, showcasing its bright galactic disk and a faint, umbrella-shaped structure composed of tidal star streams. These streams are the remnants of a smaller galaxy torn apart by gravitational forces during repeated encounters. The inset shows a close-up of the smaller galaxy's core. This image illustrates the dynamic nature of galaxy formation and evolution, with implications for understanding our own Milky Way.
Astronomy Picture from 02/07/2014
NGC 4651: The Umbrella Galaxy
Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap140702.html
#NGC4651 #SpiralGalaxy #TidalStreams #GalacticMerger #Astronomy #Space #Cosmology #Astrophysics #GalaxyCollision #DeepSpace #SubaruTelescope #KeckTelescope #MaunaKea #StarStreams
