So I was clicking through and found this object a couple days ago, I've never seen or heard of an object like this, I thought others might be interested.
It looks like the usual perfectly round elliptical galaxy, only this has two 'arms' extending to one side toward nothing. I can't figure out why it would look like this. It otherwise looks so stable and there is nothing else around it.
This object is DECaLS so it's a real, actual thing. I can't get images to post here, so sorry for the link.
yes interesting.. its a merger..the bulge is dominant and bright. decals shows 2 galaxies there with the same z.
the 2 arms are tidal debris ( i think ).
the only way i think this would be possible is that if the elliptical is travelling from left to right an draws in 2 much smaller galaxies which are travelling from right to left.
i would also be interested in the explanation.
by
mburns877