Astronomers spot 1 of the most powerful 'sonic booms' in the universe as massive galaxy crashes into its neighbors
A shockwave caused by the galaxy NGC 7318b slamming into four other galaxies is akin to a "sonic boom from a jet fighter." Astronomers hope the event will reveal vital secrets about the often-violent evolution of our universe.
"This type of galaxy collision in Stephan's Quintet is a rare chance to see a complex set of galaxies caught in the act of colliding," Arnaudova said. "As to how it will end up, well it's likely that it will eventually merge with one of the group members, but not for millions or billions of years because the sizes and speeds of these things are so vast."
#galaxies #collision #Stephan's Quintet
https://www.livescience.com/space/astronomers-spot-1-of-the-most-powerful-sonic-booms-in-the-universe-as-massive-galaxy-crashes-into-its-neighbors