NASA has transformed the visual representation of the cosmic encounter between two galaxies into a beautiful composition. The lenticular galaxy NGC 274 and barred spiral galaxy NGC 275, collectively known as Arp 140, are currently in the process of merging into a single new entity. This galactic collision will induce a surge in new star formation as a result of the combined interstellar matter. The latest image from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captures these interacting galaxies, with NGC 274 visible on the right and NGC 275 on the left. The scientists were able to convert the image data into a musical piece — a technique known as data sonification — which NASA shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Jan. 24.
Using Hubble’s observations, scientists assigned a pitch to each color in the image data. The bluer light is represented by a higher pitch, while the redder light is represented by a lower pitch. The resulting musical composition progresses from left to right across the image.
The higher tones at the beginning of the melody correspond to the blue light from NGC 275, likely emitted by bright, newly formed stars as a consequence of the ongoing galactic collision. In contrast, the lenticular galaxy NGC 274 contains less gas and dust compared to its spiral companion, primarily consisting of older stars. This is why the melody transitions to lower, more muted tones towards the end.
Situated in the constellation Cetus, the two merging galaxies exhibit distinct structures. Barred spiral galaxies have a luminous central bar composed of stars, whereas lenticular galaxies have a more elliptical shape and a hazy appearance, lacking the well-defined arms typically seen in spiral galaxies.
“Lenticular galaxies, on the other hand, are classified somewhere between elliptical and spiral galaxies. They get their name from the edge-on appearance that resembles a disk,” said NASA officials in a statement releasing the new Hubble image on Jan. 24.
Despite their differences, both lenticular and spiral galaxies are recognized for having a bright central bulge and a flattened disk. In the new Hubble image, both galaxies are observed face-on, providing a comprehensive view of their spectacular details.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2193435372-3ad244c57966445c990996ec3b288bf3.jpg "Markets Information, January 15, 2025: Shares Surge, Treasury Yields Slide As CPI Information Boosts Fee-Reduce Hopes; Sturdy Income Raise Banks")
