From the June 2007 issue

Gravity’s star-stripping force

Watch as a massive galaxy steals stars away from a diminutive satellite.
By | Published: June 25, 2007 | Last updated on May 18, 2023

Tidal forces arise from gravity tugging unevenly over the parts of two massive, interacting bodies. When the bodies are galaxies, tidal forces can be strong enough to shred the smaller of the two. If you don’t believe me, just ask Kathryn V. Johnston.