Before-the-Merge-CAT.jpg
Before-the-Merge-MB.jpg
Before-the-Merge-CAT.jpg
Before-the-Merge-MB.jpg

“Before the Merge” | Source: NASA / ESA / Hubble Space Telescope

$49.95

Two galaxies caught mid-dance, stretched and twisted by gravity as they spiral toward an eventual cosmic collision. A brief, beautiful moment before everything changes forever.

Two galaxies caught mid-dance, stretched and twisted by gravity as they spiral toward an eventual cosmic collision. A brief, beautiful moment before everything changes forever.

    • Object: Arp 273 (UGC 1810 & UGC 1813)

    • Distance from Earth: ~300 million light-years

    • Constellation: Andromeda

    • Primary Telescope: Hubble Space Telescope (WFC3)

    • Imaged: December 17, 2010

    • What’s Happening: Gravitational interaction distorting both galaxies

    • Starburst Activity: Triggered by the close encounter

    • Mass Difference: Larger galaxy is ~5× more massive

    • Future: These galaxies will eventually merge into a single system

    • Why It Matters: Shows how galaxies grow, evolve, and recycle matter across billions of years

    • 🐾 Feline Perspective: Playing nice. For now. Clearly about to cat fight.

    • Approx. 23”W x 18.5”H

    • Large format, vibrant, high-quality print on durable, semi-rigid thermoplastic.

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