When Galaxies Collide: Quartet Galaxy

An impressive arc of four galaxies can be seen smashing together in this image.

The object is known as ESO 255-7 and is located 550 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis.

While three galaxies are clearly visible, the top object is made up of two distinct galaxies that have partially merged already.

Image: NASA, ESA, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration and A. Evans (University of Virginia, Charlottesville/NRAO/Stony Brook University)