The Cartwheel galaxy’s unusual appearance was created by a nearly head-on collision with a smaller galaxy. Its spoke-like structures are wisps of material connecting the galaxy’s nucleus to an outer ring of young stars.

Universe Calendar Observing Fascinating Cosmic Wonders
The Cartwheel galaxy’s unusual appearance was created by a nearly head-on collision with a smaller galaxy. Its spoke-like structures are wisps of material connecting the galaxy’s nucleus to an outer ring of young stars.