Centre of merging galaxy system ESO202-G23

The image is a colour composite of the merging galaxy system ESO202-G23 made by combining an ISAAC H (1.65µm) exposure with (blue) and R (red) exposures made with the VLT Test Camera at Nasmyth focus. At least one of the two nuclei is obviously an Active Galaxy Nucleus (AGN) whose partially collimated ultraviolet radiation is exciting the surrounding gas to the North. Also visible is a blue star-forming complex to the South of the centre and a complicated pattern of gas emission due to the combination of arms resulting from the merger, as well as heavy dust extinction. Of additional interest is the arc of very red objects in the lower part of the image which are more distant galaxies.

Credit:

ESO

About the Image

Id:eso9856e
Type:Observation
Release date:26 November 1998
Related releases:eso9856
Size:2850 x 3618 px

About the Object

Name:ESO202-G23
Type:Local Universe : Galaxy : Type : Interacting
Distance:200 million light years
Category:Galaxies

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Colours & filters

BandWavelengthTelescope
Infrared
H
1.65 μmVery Large Telescope
ISAAC
Optical
R
Very Large Telescope
Optical
B
Very Large Telescope