This is a snapshot of colliding “Antenna” galaxies taken in the optical and near infrared bands. Astronomers have found evidence of a gas shake near the core of the northern (upper) galaxy.
Collisions of galaxies, especially if they are rich in molecular gas, can lead to starburst formations. This process heats the dust and creates a bright glow in the infrared. Astronomers believe that a significant amount of gas also enters the central regions, which activates star formation. “Alien” gas collides with an existing one and produces powerful blows that should make the gas glow. Scientists found data on gas inflows on a galactic scale, but there were also evidence of the effects of incoming material into the inner part of the galactic core.
The researchers used ALMA radio telescopes to analyze the gas in the centers of the galaxies “Antennas” - the closest confluent system in the middle stage (remote for 72 million light years). The rate of star formation is 10 solar masses per year. Moreover, most of them were located outside the territory of the nucleus. Scientists have concentrated on the site of the formation of stars in one of the nuclear areas. It turned out that the gas content is 100 times higher than in the center of our galaxy. They measured radiation from 5 organic molecules (CN, HCO +, HCN, CH3OH (methanol) and HNCO (isocyanic acid)), trying to confirm the presence of shock activity. And they succeeded. The last two elements showed a clear confirmation of the intensity and speeds that were affected by the impact. Evidence of emission geometry indicates that shock waves are not produced from a collision, but from a fall. But there is an assumption that the induced burst of star formation caused local shocks, contributing to shock activity.
To get an accurate answer and more details, additional research will be needed. But the information shows that the culprit is the material that has penetrated the nuclear section.
