Two distant galaxies have entered into a “cosmic joust” while in the process of merging into one larger galaxy.
As the massive objects hurtled toward one another at more than 1.1 million miles per hour (1.8 million kilometers per hour), one galaxy repeatedly pierced the other with intense radiation.
The dynamic activity, powered by a bright object at the galaxy’s center, disrupted gas clouds and stellar nurseries — and it could prevent stars from forming in the future.
Take note
You don’t want to miss these must-reads:
— After back-to-back explosive mishaps, SpaceX has been cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration to launch the latest Starship test flight as early as Tuesday. The company plans to reuse a key component of the launch vehicle for the first time.
— An ancient reptile relative made tiny clawed footprints that were fossilized in 356 million-year-old rock. The tracks are rewriting the way scientists understand the evolution of four-legged creatures.
— As any owner of an orange cat knows, golden-hued felines are special. Now, scientists think they know why: an unusual genetic mutation that has not been found in any other animal.
The post Mysterious gold stash found on hiking trail perplexes researchers appeared first on CNN.
