When Galaxies Collide

Stunning work from NASA:

The visual effects of the collision — which generated an immense shock wave that produced a spiral plume of 6 million-degree hot gas — were captured by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, visible here in purple. The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope contributed to the image’s impressive palate with optical observations revealing the galaxy in blue and white.

Such a shock wave, likened to a sonic boom, won’t be felt anywhere near Earth, which is 60 million light-years away from the large spiral galaxy NGC 1232 that was rammed by a smaller, dwarf one.

Makes you wonder if any of the locals can get homeowners to cover that.