APOD 3.2

The image below shows two spiral galaxies, NGC 2207 and IC 2163 colliding into one another. In a few billions of years, one of these galaxies will emerge victorious and survive the collision. During the collision, these galaxies tear each other apart due to tidal forces, creating tides of matter. Shocked gas, dark dust, star formations and cast-away stars are all repercussions of this collision. Gravitational shock waves speed through both the galaxies and the resulting high pressures and high densities act as catalysts for star formation. These galaxies are so vast that during the collision, it very unlikely that any stars or objects will collide. Predictions favor NGC 2207 (pictured left) to engulf the smaller IC 2163 (pictured right).