Interacting Galaxies
Interacting galaxies are galaxies that are close enough to each other to exert gravitational forces on one another. This interaction can lead to various phenomena, such as distortions in their shapes, the formation of new stars, and even the merging of galaxies over time. These interactions can occur in pairs or groups and are often observed in regions of space where galaxies are densely packed.
When galaxies interact, they can exchange gas and dust, which can trigger bursts of star formation. The Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies are an example of two galaxies that are on a collision course, expected to merge in about 4.5 billion years. Such events provide valuable insights into the evolution of galaxies in the universe.