NGC 3597 Galactic Collision Result Captured by Hubble Space Telescope Image

NGC 3597, the focus of this image from NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, is the product of a collision between two sizable galaxies. It is located approximately 150 million light-years away in the Crater constellation. This photo highlights the transformative process as NGC 3597 evolves into a giant elliptical galaxy, an event marked by intense star birth from pooled gas and dust. Studying instances like these lends insight into the formation of elliptical galaxies, often termed ‘red and dead’ by astronomers when they cease creating new stars. This stellar snapshot can be utilized in educational materials on galaxy formation, space exploration campaigns, or astrophotography showcases.