The Tadpole Galaxy
Why does this galaxy have such a long tail? In this stunning vista, based on image data from the Hubble Legacy Archive, distant galaxies form a dramatic backdrop for disrupted spiral galaxy Arp 188, the Tadpole Galaxy. The cosmic tadpole is a mere 420 million light-years distant toward the northern constellation Draco. Its eye-catching tail is about 280 thousand light-years long and features massive, bright blue star clusters. One story goes that a more compact intruder galaxy crossed in front of Arp 188 - from right to left in this view - and was slung around behind the Tadpole by their gravitational attraction. During the close encounter, tidal forces drew out the spiral galaxy's stars, gas, and dust forming the spectacular tail.
Like what you see? Follow our WhatsApp channel for more.
Trending Now
18-year-old refuses to pay rent when her parents demand it after she has already moved out: '[My aunt said] my parents really needed this and deserved it for raising me [but] I want nothing to do with them'
01
Identical twin sister decides to start a life of her own after her parents encouraged an unhealthy, codependent familial relationship for years, family implodes as a result: ‘I just can't be enmeshed with her for the rest of my life’
02
‘My promotion was earned, not gifted’: Coworker Mark demands a cut of a colleague’s promotion bonus, claiming he deserves it for training him, but the colleague refuses
03
Employee quits stable job for better position elsewhere, then gets fired on day four with no justified explanation: '[They] told me I wasn't the right fit!'
04
HR tells employee not to cover for two coworkers to avoid giving him leverage for another raise, employee maliciously complies years later when coworkers are out sick: 'Focus on my core responsibilities? You got it!'
05