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Astronomers have identified an elliptical galaxy 88 million light-years away from Earth as a cosmic predator based on its peculiar properties. The most recent photos taken by the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) show that the galaxy, named NGC 3640, has a history of eating smaller galaxies and may soon consume another. According to sources, the galaxy's twisted shape and the dim, diffused light surrounding it reveal its violent past. Positioned slightly above a smaller galaxy, NGC 3641, the bigger entity looks to be on a path that might lead to a future merger. The study of such interactions gives insights into galaxies' evolutionary tendencies.
Evidence for Past Galactic Mergers
According to a study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, NGC 3640 contains remnants of past mergers. The structural aberrations found, together with the existence of older star populations, imply that remains of previously absorbed galaxies are included into its creation. Astronomers from the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics examined the leftovers, and their findings suggest that old stars from the original galaxy serve as indicators of prior collisions. The dim light surrounding NGC 3640 is due to these previous contacts, illustrating the long-term impacts of galactic mergers.
An upcoming galactic collision
According to reports, while NGC 3641 remains intact, its demise may follow the same trend as NGC 3640. As galaxies interact, gravitational forces deform their structures, frequently resulting in mergers. Current observations show no immediate influence on NGC 3641, meaning that substantial interactions have yet to occur. According to ESO experts, galaxies change structurally over time as gas and stars are absorbed from their surrounds. This process has been related to the unusual form and properties of NGC 3640.
Gravitational Influence and Cosmological Evolution
Gravitational forces exerted by approaching galaxies can cause large-scale changes in their structures. Astronomers have been closely monitoring such interactions to gain a deeper understanding of galactic evolution. The observations made using the VLT provide an opportunity to study these cosmic processes in detail, with researchers continuing to track the potential merger between NGC 3640 and its smaller companion. The findings contribute to broader studies on the dynamic nature of galaxies and their role in shaping the universe over billions of years.
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