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Composite image of the nearby merging galaxy NGC 4038/9, also known as "The Antennae” due to the antennae-like morphology of its two prominent tidal tails. The image shows a true-color representation of the optical starlight, with the neutral atomic gas depicted in blue. This system is composed of two spiral galaxies which are in the process of slamming together, throwing off two long, narrow tidal streamers.
Image credit: Image courtesy of NRAO/AUI and J. Hibbard
