The collision with the galaxy is 350 million light-years from Earth

NASA's astronomical telescope sends an image of a collision named Arp 256 that occurs between two spiral galaxies.

Image of Arp 256 collision in the constellation of Ngu Ngu.(Photo: NASA).

NASA recorded a new image of the Arp 256 collision between the two constellations of Ngu Ngu, 350 million light-years from Earth, UPI reported on March 8. The collision has just begun and it will take millions of years for them to fully integrate.

Scientists first discovered Arp 256 in 1966. Although the hearts of the two galaxies are still far from each other, strong gravitational pull pulls them close to starting to change the spiral shape. The collision triggered stellar gas and dust, helping new stars form.

Intergalactic interactions occur more commonly in the early universe. As the universe expands, interactions are less likely to occur. However, ancient collisions continue to affect the evolution of galaxies in the modern universe. Astronomers are still studying the effects of early cosmic collisions on the Milky Way, where humans live.