While astronomers estimate that there are trillions of galaxies out there in the observable Universe, that can only mean one thing: a human lifetime isn’t enough to study even a small percentage of them.
But even so, it’s exciting to conclude that astronomers are still amazed by some galaxies. The mystery itself is what pushes science forward into trying to unravel the unknown even more. As for now, we should all consider ourselves lucky for living during the right time in order to witness so many cosmic discoveries!
Eyes set on NGC 1512 and NGC 1510
NGC 1512 and NGC 1510 are the names of the two newfound galaxies that amaze astronomers through their bonds created by each other’s gravitational pull. The Dark Energy Camera that’s mounted on the Victor M. Blanco Telescope from Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory from Chile had captured a unique photo of the two galaxies, according to Space.com.
The two galaxies are located in the Horologium constellation that’s located 60 million light-years away from Earth, and you can see them below:
Our latest photo release features the intricate internal structure of spiral #galaxy #NGC1512. The outer tendrils appear to stretch out and envelop its diminutive neighbor, #NGC1510. The pair will eventually merge into one larger galaxy.https://t.co/DrnXlAtSza#NOIRLab
1/2 pic.twitter.com/wJVD6f7PGt— NOIRLab (@NOIRLabAstro) May 3, 2022
The search for the two beautiful galaxies was also part of the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) which belongs to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF).
If you thought that ‘The Young and the Restless’ soap opera has always existed, you better keep in mind that the two galaxies that make the subject of this article have been revolving one around the other for about 400 million years.
As you might have already guessed, NCG 1510 is far smaller than NGC 1512. The former is also known as a dwarf galaxy.
If you’re amazed by the new discoveries, who knows, maybe you’ll somehow find a way to travel to those two galaxies someday and tell us all what you can find there!