Galaxy Zoo Talk

what causes such a straight tail?

  • A002615 by A002615

    I assume the 'tail' is tidal debris, but it seems unusual to be so straight, especially with the other debris being more curved. Is there anything unique to this merger that causes this effect? Thanks

    Posted

  • Budgieye by Budgieye moderator

    Much info published about this. The truth is out there, with 479 references.

    #NGC 1614 NGC614

    enter image description here

    enter image description here

    The galaxy system NGC 1614 has a bright optical centre and two clear
    inner spiral arms that are fairly symmetrical. It also has a
    spectacular outer structure that consists principally of a large
    one-sided curved extension of one of these arms to the lower right,
    and a long, almost straight tail that emerges from the nucleus and
    crosses the extended arm to the upper right. The galaxy appears to be
    the result of a tidal interaction and the resulting merger of two
    predecessor systems.

    The system has a nuclear region of quasar-like luminosity, but shows
    no direct evidence for an active nucleus. It is heavily and unevenly
    reddened across its nucleus, while infrared imaging also shows a
    "ridge" of dust. The linear "tail" to the upper right and extended
    arms to the lower right are likely the remains of an interacting
    companion and the tidal plume(s) caused by the collision. NGC 1614 is
    located about 200 million light-years away from Earth in the
    constellation of Eridanus, the River.

    This image is part of a large collection of 59 images of merging
    galaxies taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and released on the
    occasion of its 18th anniversary on 24th April 2008.

    Credit:
    NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration and A. Evans (University of Virginia, Charlottesville/NRAO/Stony Brook University)

    http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/heic0810ax/

    Posted