📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
A team of Indian astronomers has made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the ring of stars known as ‘Kathryn’s Wheel’ located 30 million light years away from the Milky Way galaxy. This unique ring of stars was formed as a result of a collision between two galaxies, leading to the ejection of interstellar gas and the production of shockwaves. The collision also resulted in the emission of cosmic rays, radiation, and gamma rays.
The astronomers responsible for identifying this gamma-ray emitting collisional ring galaxy are Professor Vaidehi S Paliya and Professor Dhruba J Saikia from Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, India. Despite being situated 30 million light years away from the Milky Way, ‘Kathryn’s Wheel’ has not been extensively studied due to its location amidst a crowded area surrounded by bright stars and dust obscuration.
Compared to the well-known ‘Cartwheel’ galaxy, Kathryn’s Wheel is forty times closer to us. The discrepancy in size between the two colliding galaxies, one larger and one smaller, showcases the immense power of tidal forces when such galaxies collide head-on. The sheer vastness of galaxies continues to captivate scientists in the field.
This recent discovery sheds light on the dynamic processes happening in our universe, offering a glimpse into the intricate mechanisms behind galactic collisions and the formation of new structures. With advancements in technology and data analysis, astronomers continue to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, revealing the mesmerizing beauty and complexity of the Milky Way and beyond.
