Hubble Captures a Spectacular Three-Way Gravitational Tug-of-War Between Interacting Galaxies

Arp 195

Hubble Space Telescope image of Arp 195, a three-way gravitational tug-of-war between interacting galaxies. Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, J. Dalcanton

A dramatic triplet of galaxies takes center stage in this latest Picture of the Week from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, which captures a three-way gravitational tug-of-war between interacting galaxies. This system — known as Arp 195 — is featured in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies, a list that showcases some of the weirder and more wonderful galaxies in the universe.

Observing time with the Hubble Space Telescope is extremely valuable, so astronomers don’t want to waste a second. The schedule for Hubble observations is calculated using a computer algorithm which allows the spacecraft to occasionally gather bonus snapshots of data between longer observations. This image of the clashing triplet of galaxies in Arp 195 is one such snapshot. Extra observations such as these do more than provide spectacular images — they also help to identify promising targets to follow up with telescopes such as the upcoming NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.

9 Comments on "Hubble Captures a Spectacular Three-Way Gravitational Tug-of-War Between Interacting Galaxies"

  1. BibhutibhusanPatel | July 26, 2021 at 9:56 am | Reply

    In the system Arp 195, beside gravitational tug-of-war,also strain due to indivisual galactic motion is seen.

  2. BibhutibhusanPatel | July 26, 2021 at 10:09 am | Reply

    In the system Arp 195,beside gravitational tug-of-war,strain produced due to push of galaxies in original direction of propagation is in view with clarity,although mild.

  3. It didn’t mention how far away these clashing galaxies are. I guess I’ll research how far away System ARP195 is from earth. It would be amazing to see Wich galaxy prevails.

  4. Who will be the victor? All three galaxies and any life within is doomed. Any bodies not flung into cold space will spiral into the closest competitors’ core. No galactic orbit will be preserved. Depending on how far, they might already be one armless core by now.

  5. check out all them UFOs flying

  6. Almost looks real 😆😑

  7. Woea…..
    Woea……. Ohhhhh… ….

  8. Jamie Lushman | August 1, 2021 at 8:15 pm | Reply

    Bottom right corner, big ass alien looking mf. Lol.

  9. We all just going to ignore the alien right in the middle of it all?

Leave a comment

Email address is optional. If provided, your email will not be published or shared.