The collision of these 2 galaxies is still occurring, it began more than 100 million years ago, and will eventually lead into the merging of both galactic nuclei into a single galaxy.

During the collision, tidal forces began generating two long arms that extend to one side in the shape of thin antennae, this is the feature that gives this pair of interacting galaxies it's name. Click the info icon to see a picture of the antennae not featured in this painting.

This process of collision and merging is sparking the formation of star birthing regions. Besides the galactic cores, you can spot here other bright areas, we call them "Super Star Clusters".

These regions where star formation is taking place are very bright and compact, they contain many young and massive stars that light up the surrounding regions. It is thought that they will one day become Globular Clusters.