Spectacular collision of galaxies captured on camera

Scientists have captured spectacular images of two galaxies colliding behind the Milky Way.

The discovery was made by a team of astronomers led by Professor Quentin Parker at the University of Hong Kong and Professor Albert Zijlstra at the University of Manchester, using the UK Schmidt Telescope in Australia, according to a paper published by the Royal Astronomical Society.

The galaxy, which is 30 million light years away, has been dubbed "Kathryn's Wheel" after the firework it resembles and the name of the second author's wife.

"Such systems are very rare and arise from 'bulls-eye' collisions between two galaxies of similar mass," the scientific society states.

"Shockwaves from the collision compress reservoirs of gas in each galaxy and trigger the formation of new stars. This creates a spectacular ring of intense emission, and lights up the system like a Catherine wheel firework on bonfire night."

"Not only is this system visually stunning, but it's close enough to be an ideal target for detailed study," Professor Parker said.

"It is not often that you get to name any objects in the sky. But I think Kathryn's Wheel is particularly fitting, resembling as it does a firework and continuing the tradition of naming objects after loved ones," Preofessor Zijlstra said.