Astronomy Magazine – Your source for the latest news on astronomy, observing events, space missions, and more.

A galactic megaconglomerate

Team ShaRA; data acquired via Chilescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile

The galaxy Fornax A (NGC 1316) is famed for its enormous radio lobes, but deep optical imaging reveals dizzying layers of structure generated by a series of mergers that made the galaxy what it is today. Just right of Fornax A is the smaller spiral NGC 1317, likely to be the larger galaxy’s next acquisition. Team ShaRA used a 20-inch reflector to collect 43 hours of LRGB data; you can read more about their efforts on their blog.