Astronomers Capture Stunning 2 Million MPH Galactic Collision

A galaxy traveling at 2 million mph has collided with Stephan's Quintet, a group of five galaxies, creating a powerful shock wave observed in unprecedented detail by the WEAVE spectrograph on the William Herschel Telescope. This event, akin to a sonic boom, provides insights into the dynamics of galaxy collisions and the formation of the Universe. The study, involving over 60 astronomers, highlights the capabilities of WEAVE in mapping and analyzing cosmic phenomena, offering a glimpse into the future of astronomical research.