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Galaxy’s 2 Million MPH Crash Creates Cosmic ‘Sonic Boom’

In a dramatic cosmic spectacle, astronomers have captured unprecedented details of a galaxy hurtling through space at an astonishing 2 million miles per hour, triggering a massive collision that creates shock waves comparable to a fighter jet’s sonic boom.

Glossary

Shock Front
A boundary where matter undergoes abrupt changes in properties due to supersonic collision impacts.
Spectroscopy
The study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation, revealing its composition through light analysis.
Intergalactic Medium
The space between galaxies, containing various forms of matter and energy.

Test Your Understanding

How fast is the colliding galaxy NGC 7318b moving?

The galaxy is moving at an incredible speed of 2 million miles per hour (3.2 million kilometers per hour).

What happens when the shock wave encounters cold gas?

It travels at hypersonic speeds and strips electrons from atoms, creating a glowing trail of charged gas.

How does the shock wave behave differently in hot gas?

Instead of causing significant disruption, it becomes weaker and compresses the hot gas, generating radio waves detectable by radio telescopes.

What makes this observation particularly significant?

It’s the first time scientists have observed this dual nature of shock fronts in galaxy collisions, using the new WEAVE telescope alongside other cutting-edge instruments.


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