NGC 5256 is composed of two colliding galaxies—a chaotic interaction. The centers of both galaxies are known as active galactic nuclei (AGN), which means they are compact and bright.
This object is also known as Markarian 266, which places it in a class of galaxies called Markarian galaxies. Markarian galaxies have nuclei that emit massive amounts of ultraviolet light when compared to more ordinary galaxies.
The merging galaxies in NGC 5256 funnel gas into the two, central black holes, and also trigger new star formation, adding to the significant amount of infrared light is produced.
Colliding galaxies such as these offer a very interesting look at how the energies of galaxies rise and fall, forming their eventual character as they merge into one.
Credit : NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration, and A. Evans (University of Virginia, Charlottesville/NRAO/Stony Brook University).
https://t.me/astronomy
