A new image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows two galaxies merging into one approximately 230 million light-years away from our planet, according to The Economic Times.
The image was taken using the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 that is present on the telescope. Prior to the new image, the merging galaxies were believed to be one single abnormal galaxy, but further examination has revealed that the interstellar event is actually two galaxies in the process of merging, ABC7 News reported.
The two separate galaxies met after being gradually drawn together over time due to the effects of gravity, leading to their eventual collision that will, over time, result in the formation of a single galactical structure. However, as the merging process continues, individual stars from each galaxy will be thrown out of their orbit and fall on entirely new paths, some far away from the merger and others close to it.
While the "galaxy" in the making currently possesses a chaotic structure, scientists say that this structure will eventually stabilize and may not resemble the shape of either of the original galaxies.
The galaxy, NGC 6502, is located in the Hercules constellation, according to Astronomy Now.
