Abell 4067
Antennae
Antennae
HCG 16
M 51
M51
M51
Interacting GalaxiesGalaxies interact in a variety of ways with their environment, both with satellite and neighbouring galaxies, and, in the case of galaxies within groups and clusters, with large masses of tenuous hot gas. Along a merging sequence ranging from completely detached to fully merged systems, the X-ray emission rises and falls: very soon after the galaxies first encounter one another very extended diffuse X-ray emission appears to arise from material ejected from the galaxies. These ejections soon evolve into distorted flows. More massive extensions (up to 1010 solar masses of hot gas) are seen at the peak of the interaction, as the galactic nuclei coalesce. The late, relaxed remnants appear relatively devoid of hot gas. [Ref 7] |
| Abell 4067 | Antennae | Antennae | HCG 16 | M 51 |
| M51 | M51 |